Punters pulled the wrong rein in the last race at Betfair Park yesterday. Overlooking Sea Skye after his last start 5th at the Mornington Cup meeting, they instead put their money on the M.Kent trained You Think So sending him out with the pressure of being short priced favourite.
Things didn't go to plan at Mornington though and he ended up being 3 lengths last during the race, setting him an impossible task to win. It was a terrific effort to finish as close as 5th on that occassion.
With Damien Oliver in the saddle this time, he was ridden out of the barriers to be positioned much more positively just behind the leaders and right on the outside of the favourite. Riding a tactical race in the field of 8 runners, he then held the favourite in forcing him to take an inside run which on the day was a disadvantage. He then hooked out to pass the tiring leaders and it became a battle of wills, fitness and strength all the way to the line against Ironside.
Carrying a huge 6.5kgs less than Sea Skye he put up a somewhat unfair fight right to the finish, but in the end the young apprentice was outridden by both Oliver's vigor and Sea Skye's determination.
With his liking of Betfair Park, his dogged will to win and Damien Oliver's master ride, Sea Skye's victory pocketed him another $18,363 for his efforts bringing his career earnings to just under $115,000. Thats a lot of carrots.
With the 6y.o gelding thriving on his training regime and racing well, it shouldn't be long before we see him back in the winners stall again!! Congratulations to his owners and the Cranbourne Team!