Well Bred Proart Graduates To Stakes Level In Scahill
- Sunday, 13 December 2009 00:59
Proart ($4.20 fav) faced a big challenge at his first weight-for-age essay, but thanks to a gem of a Peter Hall ride, the inform son of Rock Of Gibraltar simply proved too good for a classy line-up of local talent.
Most form students believed that there was no exposed speed or pressure, however former Queenslander Nellie Got There anticipated the start and lobbed in front with relative ease.
There after Hall was left with no option to try and get some cover behind Elliotto, who had made the position outside the leader his own.
Proart settled beautifully behind the leaders and it was just a matter of Hall pressing the button, which he gradually worked towards inside the 500 metre point.
Turning for home Proart showed quality acceleration which is vital at Ascot, and put a break on the chasing pack.
Proart held a margin over the gallant veteran Tarzi in second place, who loomed a winning chance for a fluking moment half way down the running, with stable mate Elliotto fighting on well to hold third place.
Durrant has turned around Proart from a horse that always promised plenty, to an animal that is truly enjoying his racing and delivering the owners results for their patience.
Proart is by former star English galloper Rock Of Gibraltar who has now sired a double for the day with an impressive win earlier in the day to Almohad, out of one of the best mares this state has produced in Beaux Art.
Beaux Art won in three states at Group level, saluting in the 1994 WA Oaks and Derby, prior to winning the 1995 AJC St. Leger and Feehan Stakes, followed by placing's in the Caulfield and Sydney Cup's.
"I told Peter (Hall) you don't have to lead, just be where he is comfortable. This horse is really in the zone, he is fit and racing well. For an entire he is just a toff at home," Winning trainer Adam Durrant said following the win.
"He was travelling like a winner and I didn't want to get in a bumping dual before the corner with Grand Nirvana so I popped out and he really let down well in the straight. To his credit Tarzi came at him and he held him which is no mean feat," Winning rider Peter Hall said following the win.
Media Release - Perth Racing
