Lords Holds Perth Cup To Ransom
- Sunday, 20 December 2009 11:59
The Adam Durrant-trained six-year-old brought up his eighth win from just 17 starts when he held off Largo Lad by 1-3/4 lengths to win Saturday's 2100m Group Two event at Ascot.
TAB Sportsbet reacted by firming him to $4 for the Cup on New Year's Day with Scenic Shot drifting and most unlikely to run after his sixth place finish.
Durrant and local owner-breeder Bob Peters have been patient with Lords Ransom who was once touted as a Caulfield and Melbourne Cup contender.
The gelding won the 2008 Bunbury and Pinjarra Cups and was sent east to be prepared for the bigger races.
But after many setbacks he was taken home where Durrant who gave him almost a year off.
"That was quite satisfying, he bounced back to his best," Durrant told Perth Racing.
"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."
Steven Parnham, who rode the runner-up, was equally impressed with Largo Lad's improved effort with the David Hayes-trained gelding now at $9 for the Cup.
"He is starting to travel in his races and I think he will be hard to beat in the Cup," Parnham said.
Scenic Shot's rider Jason Brown said the horse raced in restricted room throughout and had little chance.
"He had no luck the whole race," Brown said.
"He needs clear galloping room, otherwise he is a different horse."
Scenic Shot's current campaign began in September with the highlight his victory in the Group One Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.
The Paul Perry-trained Newport was forced to race wide and never a threat to the leading group but jockey Brad Rawiller was still optimistic.
"We had a torrid run," he said.
"I still think he has a live chance in the Cup."
The winner of the 2008 Group One Metropolitan Handicap (2400m), Newport was at $12 on Sunday.
Second favourite at $7 was Adelaide stayer Right Fong, a winner over 2000 metres at Flemington on December 12.