Trainer Wally Mitchell was impressed with his young rig, Maximus Mak (Pat Carbery), who fought on well to win the Westspeed 3YO Handicap (1400m) in a good duel with Flying Roar.
“I told Pat to go forward if the horse jumped well and he did,” Mitchell said.
Carbery got his charge over to sit outside the leader for most of the race and he always looked as if he was going to prevail in the home straight. Although Flying Roar fought back Maximus Mak won by a neck on the line. Rodeo Drive was well beaten into third place.
Maximus Mak beat smart galloper Rommel in a trial last November before running third to the same galloper in his first race start.
“Unfortunately he sustained an injury to his hock in a paddock accident shortly after that. His hock was like a football and his future was in doubt,” Mitchell said. Upon returning, on July 23, the bay rig was second to Hellyer before running fifth to Calabria Joe on August 2.
“He was doing his best work in the last 150m of that 1200m race so I knew he would appreciate the extra 200m today. He has a Savabeel bloodline so I expect him to get more ground in the future.”
Mitchell said Maximus Mak had improved in his manners and Carbery reported he raced in a relaxed manner before being asked for an effort.
One to watch: Dubai Escapade was held up for a run on the turn and finished fifth behind smart galloper Ram Jam (five wins in a row) in the Westspeed Stayers Bonus Handicap (2000m).
When Latin General went backwards Lucy Warwick had nowhere to go on Dubai Escapade, whereas William Pike on Ram Jam had switched off the fence, behind the fader, at just the right moment.