It is not often we travel out of our comfort zone especially for a night meeting but when we do it usually pays off. The seven hour round road trip to Pakenham on Thursday night was worth the effort after “Balcazar” won the main race on the program courtesy of a great ride by Champion and Leading jockey, Craig Williams.
The 4YO Sebring gelding was back to his best winning the “Meluca Group” handicap in impressive style over the mile. The spacious and long straight at the superior Pakenham racetrack suited the big chestnut as he was able to use his massive stride effectively to come down the outside of the field for a runaway win. Settling back in the field and letting the race unfold, Craig bided his time until entering the home straight. Once exposed and building his momentum you were always confident the short priced favourite would over power the field. He finished over top of them for a length victory on the line from the second elect, My Paisann with a further 1-1/4 margin to the third horse.
“He’s starting to learn his craft and his racing manners are improving with experience. We are fortunate the Owners leave us a lone to do our job and place him properly. He was well ridden tonight” co-trainer and strapper for the night” Shannon said after the race.
The team will aim the gelding towards a couple of races at Flemington during May and hopefully he can keep his terrific form going for his great bunch of Owners.
