Big plans for Outlaw Pete
Powerfiul staying prospect Outlaw Pete will be set for a prestigious Ascot carnival treble on the strength his impressive win in today's Westspeed 3YO Handicap (1600m) at Belmont Park.
The Trevor Andrews-trained Oratorio gelding, starting at $4.60, unleashed a strong late burst to beat hot favourite Silver Magic Ships ($1.65) by a long neck.
Silver Magic Ships had looked set to win when she kicked clear on the home turn, after racing keenly and setting a solid pace. But the filly had no answer when Outlaw Pete pounced.
"We'll give him a short break before he begins preparations for an Ascot campaign," Andrews said. "His missions are the Belgravia, Fairetha and Guineas."
The $100,000 Belgravia Stakes (1200m) will feature at Ascot's re-opening on October 18.
Outlaw Pete should be suited by a step up to 1400m in the $100,000 Fairetha Stakes three weeks later.
The $400,000 WA Guineas (1600m) will be run at the Super Saturday meeting on November 22.
A training triumph was achieved by Simon Foster when Our Pu Bear ($16) won today's tabtouch.com.au Handicap (1000m).
The gelding, who led and scored by 1 1/4 lengths, was having only his second start after a one-year break from racing.
"Our Pu Bear needed knee surgery last year and vets told us he had only a 45 per cent chance of racing again," Foster said. "We were going to retire him."
Foster said part-owner Dan Love was keen to give the six-year-old another chance.
"Dan's persistence is paying off," Foster said.
Top appprentice Lucy Warwick landed her first city treble when winning today on Shengmu, Dubai Escapade and Wild Charger.
The Fred Kersley-trained Shengmu led and fought on tenaciously in the Vale Bob Howat (1000m).
Dubai Escapade, trained by Warwick's father Justin, came from seventh position in the Westspeed Stayers' Bonus Handicap (2200m).
Wild Charger, from Peter and Matt Giadresco's stable, held off late challenges in his Tabtouch Your Industry Your TAB Handicap (1400m) victory.
