Durrant & Peters Have Ransom On BMW Perth Cup
- Saturday, 19 December 2009 13:59
Lords Ransom ($13.70) was given a superb ride by big race rider Jason Whiting, who patiently rode the lightly raced gelding in the back half of the field before gaining the luck he needed turning for home, and drawing away for a commanding Ascot feature race triumph.
It has been a long road long and winding road for Lords Ransom who after securing the 2008 Bunbury/Pinjarra Cup double was once considered a live Caulfield/Melbourne Cup chance.
Lords Ransom encountered setback after setback with east coast trainers, before being returned home to Durrant and having a good spell.
Subsequently Durrant unconventionally ran Lords Ransom first-up in the Railway Stakes over 1600m, with the Landscape Development C.B. Cox Stakes/BMW Perth Cup double the main target.
Lords Ransom ran a slashing fifth in the Railway Stakes, before racing flat at his next outing in the Kingston Town Classic.
BMW Perth Cup markets will now face a big reshuffle with favourite Scenic Shot failing to raise backer's hopes with a grinding sixth after being crowded throughout, and it now almost certainly looks as though he will be scratched from the Cup.
Lords Ransom now ranks as one of the leading chances in the $400,000 Group 2 BMW Perth Cup (2400m) on New Years Day, a race Peter and Durrant always thought their charge was capable of winning.
The David Hayes trained Largo Lad made a super return to form, racing three wide with cover before looking the winner halfway down the running and holding on well for a strong second.
Dante's Banquet also ran a solid cup trial, box seating throughout and working to the line well for a third place.
The favourite Scenic Shot again raced in restricted room throughout from his inside draw, and was never a threat, with a spell now likely for the hometown champ.
Novocastrian Newport was well held, but did race three wide without cover at his W.A. debut, and will be improved by his first run since the Melbourne Cup.
What they said - "That was quite satisfying, today he bounced back to his best. He has got more than a future here. I still think he can measure up anywhere when he is right. Now we look forward to the Perth Cup." Winning trainer Adam Durrant said following the big race triumph.
"He did it well. He was further back than planned but on the bend he was travelling like a winner." Winning rider Jason Whiting said following the win.
"Really happy with that. He is starting to travel in his races and I think he will be hard to beat in the Cup." Steven Parnham Largo Lad (2nd).
"The horse is ticking over perfectly. I wouldn't want to be on any other horse in the Perth Cup." Danny Miller Dante's Banquet (3rd).
"He had no luck the whole race, he needs clear galloping room, otherwise he is a different horse." Jason Brown Scenic Shot (6th).
"We had a torrid run. I still think he has a live chance in the cup." Brad Rawiller Newport (9th).
"She was not suited going forward and she still a definite a chance in the cup." Brad Parnham Star Encounter (11th).
Media Release - Perth Racing
