Trainer Michael Stanley continues to go from strength to strength, as was evident when his promising youngster Soho Park Avenue (Bettors Delight) led all the way to take out the IRT Shakamaker two-year-old classic at Melton on Saturday evening.
Driven by good friend Luke McCarthy, Soho Park Avenue powered their way into the lead from barrier 6.
Favorite Most Exciting was caught off track early and driver Ryan Sanderson had to race outside the leader.
The winner’s stablemate, Soho Charmer, with Michael Stanley at the wheel, was the early leader but surrendered the front to follow the trail behind the leader. Betterleftalone had a great race to get off the rails and secure the one out and one back path.
Soho Park Avenue was under pressure and for a while it looked like Soho Charmer would face a serious challenge. But Soho Park Avenue showed great heart and he saw off the challenge by scoring from just under two meters behind Soho Charmer with Most Exciting in third.
SOHO PARK AVENUE OCTOBER 18 REPETITION
The winner recorded an impressive mileage of 1.54 and ran his final 400 meters in a fast 26.5 seconds.
Trainer Michael Stanley was full of praise for Soho Park Avenue.
“He’s a super little two-year-old kid. He’s such a professional with gate speed. As Bettors Delight, he only does what he has to do.”
“But Soho Charmer isn’t that far behind him.”
“They are all VicBred, so I will stay here in Victoria to prepare them for the Series.”
“They will also be prepared for the Derbys next year and I am confident that Soho Park Avenue will be able to cover longer distances as he gets older.”
Stanley still has his Ballarat stables near Burrumbeet and has moved his main operations to Menangle Park.
Most Exciting who made his debut will be much improved from that effort and should perform better in his next outing.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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