Image: Bradley Photos
Stakes artist Gatsby’s has broken a long streak of outs to record his third career victory.
Joe Pride’s rejuvenation skills were once again on display as the trainer pushed the enigmatic Gatsby’s to return to winning form at Randwick.
The gelding won the Listed Rosebud (1100m) in 2024 and finished fifth in Switzerland in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) that spring, but had not been able to put his head in front since his stakes success.
Gatsby’s moved to Pride this season, finishing midfield on his debut for the stable earlier this month and finding the right race in the Racing And Sports Handicap (1200 metres) on Saturday.
“I came here today feeling pretty confident because I thought the first run had a lot of merit because of a wide gate,” Pride said.
“There is considerable improvement underway.
“He’s a horse that still has a pretty good record. He’s had some good races. It wasn’t a matter of finding out if he had any ability, it was just a matter of recapturing that. It was a good result.”
Chad Schofield spurred Gatsby’s ($6) forward halfway down the straight, and the gelding maintained his lead on the line, scoring by a length over Bundeena ($4 favourite) with Uzziah ($12) another head further ahead.
Pride will look for another similar target and says its biggest takeaway from Saturday is that Gatsby’s still has the will to compete.
“It was just a matter of, does he still have the desire? And I liked the way he was challenged in that last hundred meters and he fought on really well,” Pride said.
“I think he is a horse that has not yet fulfilled his potential, so hopefully we can get a few more wins.”
Pride also reported that stable star Ceolwulf had responded well to treatment for a minor leg knock and would take his place in a 900m barrier trial at Randwick on Tuesday.
“It was very small, but you just don’t take chances at this point in the preparation,” Pride said.
“He is absolutely fine and that is evident from the fact that we are trying him on Tuesday.”
Ceolwulf will score a second hit a week later, ahead of his return in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 14.
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