Magical Pearl Wins Balaklava Cup
- Wednesday, 31 August 2011 09:45
Veteran South Australian miler Magical Pearl prevailed in a typically action-packed renewal of the $80,000 Listed Malaysia Airlines/Advertiser Newspapers Balaklava Cup (1600m).
The win ensured Magical Pearl won his first race since the 2009 Listed Penny Edition Stakes (1400m) under weight-for-age conditions.
That's not to say Magical Pearl has endured a form slump. The eight-year-old son of Keltrice was beaten under a length by Alcopop when finishing third last start in this season's Penny Edition.
Trained by Dennis O'Leary, Magical Pearl ($7.50) profited handsomely from a perfect Damien Oliver ride.
The multiple Group 1 winning rider positioned Magical Pearl in fifth position and produced him at the right time to win by three-quarters of a length ahead of Candle ($26).
Trainer William Smart had to settle for another placing in the Balaklava Cup. Silent Surround ($14) finished third while stablemate Silent Sophia ran second behind Haddle McDaddle in last year's edition.
The Lloyd Williams-owned Base ($3.50) rattled home out wide when it was all over for fourth while Xaieta ($17), last year's third placegetter in the Balaklava Cup, finished fifth.
Second favourite Glaneuse ($6) was afforded no favours from his wide barrier and was caught three wide with no cover the entire journey. However under the urgings of Clare Lindop still boxed on bravely to be beaten 2-1/4 lengths into sixth place.
Sadly for the second consecutive year, the Balaklava Cup was marred by a fall over the concluding stages.
The Jon O'Connor-trained Homicide Hank broke a leg and fell shortly after passing the 300 metre mark. Jockey Jeffery Maund was conscious and taken away by ambulance to undergo further precautionary medical tests.
In the other feature race of the day, Basil Da Man ($2.90 fav) claimed the $40,000 Maxwell Cooper's Memorial Sprint (1050m) by a half length ahead of Too Many Reds ($10) who made ground out wide but had every chance to secure victory.
North Beach ($12) was able to sprint quickly when gaining clear galloping room inside the final furlong to finish third ahead of outsider Heaven For Sure ($51).
Obsidian Dragon ($3) was ridden hard to hold the lead out of the gates but quickly wilted under pressure in the straight to finish seventh.
Picture: Jenny Barnes
