Hercules too strong in cup
Trainer David Thompson locked in David Hercules' Inter Dominion program moments after he smashed a track record to brilliantly win yesterday's $50,000 SPPHAWA Pinjarra Cup (2692m).
The $2.30 favourite, cleverly driven from barrier 12 by Morgan Woodley, rated 1:54.7 in winning by 3.8m from Our Jimmy Johnstone ($6.20). Machtu ($3.40) ran a close third.
Im A Rocket Star had set the course 2692m record when rating 1:56.2 in winning the 2013 Pinjarra Cup.
"As from now, David Hercules' entire schedule will be based around the Inters," Thompson said. "I think today's performance from an unfavourable barrier has confirmed he's up to matching visiting stars."
Australasia's best pacers are set to tackle the WA Inters, which begins at Gloucester Park in November. It culminates with a $1.3 million grand final on December 13.
"David Hercules will have well-spaced races leading up to the Inters," Thompson said, "I want to ensure he is given every chance to be at peak form in the series."
Strapper Charlotte johnson with Pinjarra Cup winner David Hercules. Pic: Ben Crabtree/WA News
Woodley, 25, has driven more than 1100 winners. But yesterday's cup drive was one of his best.
He caught rivals napping with a swift three-wide move near the 1600m. David Hercules swooped to the lead about 1400m from the finish and the opposition faced a major task to run him down.
"He always travelled well, then challengers loomed on the home turn," Woodley said. "He found another gear to hold them at bay.
"I can't speak highly enough of this horse and the way David Thompson trains him.
"David Hercules only has to draw reasonable barriers to be a major hope in the Inters."
The WA-bred has won at 39 of 102 starts and earned $1,352,269.
He was bought for $15,000 at a Perth yearling sale by David Botha and Jeneen Johnson.
"Throat surgery a couple of years ago took David Hercules to a new level," Thompson said. "He was well- performed despite breathing difficulties.
"Dr Alister MacLean operated on him in Victoria. The surgery improved his oxgen intake and he's gone from strength to strength.
"It was a great drive today by Morgan. We discussed likely scenarios in the cup, but I left tactics to him."
Thompson said the bay was named after David Botha.
"David's full name is David Hercules Botha," Thompson said.
"The horse showed exceptional ability in education. He was relegated to second here (at Pinjarra) in his debut, but we knew his future would be bright."
Our Jimmy Johnstone and Machtu will also target the Inters.
Co-trainers Greg and Skye Bonds' Kiwi import Our Jimmy Johnstone fought on from sixth at the 300m.
Machtu, prepared by Gary Hall, settled in third position and was fourth at the bell. He had not raced for almost five months and is sure to improve considerably.
Erskine Range, who led early in the cup, battled on to run fourth and impressively handled a class rise from his Bunbury win on Friday night.
