3 minute read
Double for retiring Hall of Famer.
Gary White may have to rethink his retirement plans as his team continues to fire, with Better Than Banksy putting up a last-to-first effort in Launceston on Friday.
The veteran trainer, who will be calling time on a stellar career next month, was delighted with the performance; the horse was well found by punters firming from $8 to $5 in the last few minutes of betting.
"I knew he was going to be charging home late; he does cause you some heart palpitations (with his racing style).
"He's not an easy ride, he's a horse that came to me with a few knee problems and we maintain those and 'Darma' (Anthony Darmanin) has ridden him a couple of times and has worked him out; he told me his plans and that's how he rode him," White said.
Geegees City Boy ($10) ran a gallant second first-up from a spell and should be winning soon. Outsider Sunshine Moshe ($41) finished third.
White made it a double for the day when Share The Gold, after a peach of a ride by Hannah Le Blanc overhauled Mariposa ($10) in the 1400m 0-62 Hcp.
Share The Gold ($6.50) tracked the pace for most of the trip. With everyone looking to race wide, it grabbed a late split to win by a long neck.
Jaguar claws her way to a win
Betting suggested there was little between the Adam Trinder pair of Jaguar Stone and Seydoux in the BM76 (1200m), and in the finish, just a half-neck separated the two.
Jaguar Stone ($2.40) finished too well for Seydoux ($3) to score her first win since Launceston Cup Day 2023.
"She hasn't been able to win a race since, but she has run third in the Newmarket and ran really well.
"She's just a quirky little mare; she probably does need a perfect map and a little bit of room; she's a little bit precious," Trinder said.
Jaguar Stone took her record to 18 starts for five wins and eight placings; she was ridden by Erica Byrne Burke, who this week heads to Perth (WA) to represent Tasmania in the third leg of the National Apprentice Race Series.
Sushi Express delivers again
Hobby trainer Glenn Hodges was in the winner's circle with his only horse in his stable, Sushi Express ($6.50), arriving on time in the 1200m Class 2.
A model of consistency, Sushi Express was given a perfect ride by Hayley Mc Carthy, who settled the 6YO just off the pace before making her move approaching the final turn.
Sushi Express has now had 15 starts for three wins and five placings and has been in the money at his past eight runs.
"On and off, we always had some niggling little problems with him, but he had a good spell, and he's come back with no problems, so I reckon he's in for his best prep," Hodges said.
"I'm pretty happy to play around with just one horse; I might get another one in the near future."
