Impressive Jeuney In Seacorp WA St. Leger Triumph
- Sunday, 13 December 2009 00:59
Impressive Jeuney ($5.10) was rated to perfection in front by Shaun O'Donnell, prior to saving a big kick on the swing home, making the final 600 metre bid for victory in 33.29.
The overall time recorded smashed the 3YO record set in 2007 by Eternalism.
The closing sectional made it virtually impossible for the chasing pack which was headed by the well bred colt Red Hot Choice, who was outsprinted by Impressive Jeuney but to his credit dug deep to finish a close second.
The two fancied runners Ranger and Thorn Dancer travelled well in the run with superb trips in transit nevertheless faced an insurmountable lead margin to reel in at the business end.
McAuliffe's Impressive Racing must be commended for their preparation of their horses with another stakes victory in Western Australia going to the yellow, with red striped silks.
Despite wretched luck with many of their big guns over the years, they have managed to achieve some fantastic results with horses such as Universal Ruler, Kasabian, Impressive Stats and now Impressive Jeuney.
Experienced rider O'Donnell is currently experiencing his best year in the saddle thus far in 2009, with the victory taking him to 18 winners for the 2009-10 racing season, in fourth place behind perennial leading hoop Paul Harvey.
Not a bad effort from a jockey not directly connected to any of the current leading stables in the metro training premiership race.
McAuliffe stated post-race that even though he had nominated Impressive Jeuney for the $400,000 Group 2 BMW Perth Cup (2400m) on New Years Day, it was unlikely the gutsy filly would take her placed with the compressed weight scale meaning she would only get two kilograms from seasoned campaigners such as Gondorff, Lords Ransom, Star Encounter, etc.
Impressive Jeuney is now more than likely to head to the paddock for a well deserved break according to McAuliffe, before being set for the Classic's during the Ascot Autumn Racing Carnival.
"She has turned her form around since we have turned into a front runner. She really digs deep when challenged. I said to Shaun (O'Donnell) make sure you turn it in to a staying test," Winning trainer Darren Mc Auliffe said following the win.
"Brad (Parnham rider Red Hot Choice) got to me but she just fought, she is very tough and has a great will to win," Winning rider Shaun O'Donnell said following the win.
Media Release - Perth Racing
