Southlander Has Mainland In His Sights
- Thursday, 14 October 2010 22:57
The Gary White trained Southlander could be mainland bound after the Tasmanian colt scored a most impressive win in the $12,100 Three-Year-Old maiden plate at the Tote Racing Centre last night.
Southlander ($4) was driven out of the barriers by apprentice Ronan Keogh who continued to make the colt work hard for the lead eventually crossing to the rail at the 600m mark.
Leading by just over a length turning for home Southlander was entitled to knock up but instead showed a stylish turn of foot to clear out by three lengths with Aceland ($3.80) making late ground to finish just over two lengths away in second spot and early leader Werbally ($8.90) a further two lengths away third.
White was confident pre-race, declaring Southlander when interviewed, and was quick to put his hand up for picking the horse as a youngster after the win.
"I picked him out as a foal and it's just nice to be able to have the bragging rights now," joked White.
"In all seriousness though this bloke has got a serious wind problem and you never quite know how it will affect their racing, so tonight's effort was very exciting and a great relief."
Southlander was a surprise drifter in the market despite winning an official barrier trial by five lengths, running serious time, and White can only put it down to his first start fiasco.
"Ronan appeared to kick Southlander's flank not long after they left the gates at his first start which caused the horse to buck and Ronan became dislodged," said White.
"Since then he won a barrier trial on a heavy track by five lengths eased down and I couldn't help but think 'there goes our price'."
White admitted the bold front running tactics were planned as he wanted a true guide as to where the colt was at with interstate options on the agenda.
“We rode him like the best horse in the race and it could've easily come unstuck but we needed a guide with some nice races coming up at Flemington,” said White.
“The scary thing is that had he drawn barrier one last night he would've won by ten lengths.”
The race pencilled in White's calender is the $125,000 Schweppes Tonic 1000 (1000m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day and White is brimming with confidence that his colt has what it takes.
“He will measure up to anything he meets, they simply can't run much faster, some might be able to maintain the speed for longer, but not any faster,” said White.
“Dropping back to 1000m just makes my job easier and he will handle any track conditions which is a big bonus.
“He is just a true professional a really sensible colt.”
Southlander is owned and raced by Geoff Harper's Seahorse Management Pty Ltd syndicate in partnership with the Amycus syndicate, managed by Ron Schwanke, and Harper shares White's confidence.
“It was a very exciting win to watch, very few horses are competitive from wide barriers at that starting point,” said Harper.
“Now we have a number of options which include the Listed Schweppes Tonic and Group One Coolmore, both at Flemington.
Southlander also continues Harper's association with the family and he is very proud of the colt's strong bloodlines.
“His half sister, Laura's Charm, is a multiple Group Two winner and his full sister, Corton Charlemagne, is a Group Three winner,” boasted Harper.
“Southlander also has a half sister by Danehill Dancer at the upcoming Easter Sales and the mare is back in foal to More Than Ready, so it is exciting times.”
Photo by Peter Staples
