3 minute read
The John O'Hara trained Castor provided the story of the night two starts ago when racing, and winning, over 1700m for the first time.
Known as a sprinter he defied that school of thought with a facile victory, over two turns on the polytrack.
Fast forward to the $100,000 Open Benchmark 83 Polytrack race over 1700m on Friday night. He had subsequently raced below par at his next outing and it was reported that he had suffered from respiratory distress. He was out to prove, that previous win was no fluke.
The rage in the markets was the talented Big Brother from the Shaw yard who looked an absolute picture on parade.
A defining moment happened early, when Castor was allowed to dictate matters up front at his own leisurely pace. Under the guidance of Apprentice Troy See, it was his casual pace upfront that would pay handsomely in the end.
The winning time was 1min 48.24secs for the 1000m on the Polytrack.
Winning Trainer John O'Hara revealed the game plan.
"The first couple of races suggested to me that Castor needed to race from the front.
“The fact that he was handed the lead so easily and allowed to dictate the pace at his own speed made things even better.
"I must credit my apprentice Troy See who knows Castor inside and out, he is like his pet horse!
“It was a well judged ride and I am glad that Castor has won again. Troy deserves a lot of credit." O’Hara said.
When asked to reflect on 2016, O'Hara had this to say.
"2016 has been an average year for the yard. However we have pushed ahead and hopefully 2017 will be better for us."
The favourite Big Brother (Nooresh Juglall) was not disgraced in 2nd and was denied by a head and both he and the fast finishing Casing Royal (Alan Munro) were outdone by a lack of pace in the race.
With that victory the IB Racing owned galloper took his earnings well over the $400,000 mark and it seems he still has a few races left in him.