But his co-owner and trainer Michael Young is confident the New Zealand-bred two-year-old colt will take his third win after three Australian starts. He says: “It won’t be easy for him, but he is very smart and tough, so he will move forward again.”
Patriarch, piloted by Emily Suvaljko, went to the front from barrier five and raced outside the pacesetter Nite Sniper before winning by two lengths from The Final Offer over 1730 meters last Friday when he raced over the closing quarters in 27.9 seconds. and 28.3 sec.
Young certainly does not underestimate the ability of Patriarch’s rivals, especially Amalfi Knight (barrier six) and In Rare Air (barrier four). “They’re very smart,” he said.
Amalfi Knight started from the outside barrier in the field of eight as he finished fourth behind Patriarch last Friday. “We just couldn’t get into the race and this week we will probably make further progress with him,” said his trainer-leader Aiden De Campo.
Deni Roberts, who rides In Rare Air for trainers Greg and Skye Bond, admitted the Bettors Delight gelding had to pass a tough test, saying: “It looks tough, and I’ll probably have to put him back up.”
In Rare Air’s stablemate, The Final Offer (another Bettors Delight gelding) trailed pacesetter Nite Sniper before finishing second to Patriarch a fortnight ago. He is racing enthusiastically and will certainly feature prominently after starting from the third barrier ahead of Tom Nally.
Star Pinjarra trainer-leader Chris Voak plans to make life tough for those left behind in the Foton All New AMT With Cummins Power Handicap, a stand over 2503 meters by setting a brisk pace with frontrunner Our Vinnie.
On his first outing for a month, Our Vinnie led early and then took a seat before finishing third behind Skylou and Rock Me Over in a fast 2631m stand at Pinjarra last Monday.
“This week I think there is a good opportunity for Vinnie to take the lead,” Voak said. “And that would be ideal. Our Vinnie will meet Skylou on better terms at 10 meters.”
Skylou, ridden by Gary Hall jnr for trainer Gary Hall snr, started from the 30 meters in the Pinjarra race and he fought tenaciously to get up and narrowly win. The five-year-old will have to be at his best on Friday evening to overcome the 40-metre deficit.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Ken Casellas, for Gloucester Park
#Lazarus #colt #tough #nails