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When things go Pennywise’s way, it will take a very good horse to beat him, as could be seen on Sunday.
Luckless at his last couple of starts, the Argentinian-bred three-year-old was never in doubt this time around, following an uncontested lead in the last event, the $70,000 Class 3 race over 1200m.
Well rated by Barend Vorster, the $17 favourite had the foot on the neck of his rivals when he swung for home. They seemed to have been lulled into complacency, all bar one – Revolution (Vlad Duric).
Banking on a track that exhibited a leader bias all day, Pennywise beat a path down the middle while his challenger elected for the inside route.
Pennywise held on doggedly, but fears he would be rolled didn’t quite go away as Revolution came whacking away threateningly inside the last 150m. The tables could definitely be turned, but with 50m to go, the Ricardo Le Grange camp could breathe better.
Pennywise held sway to preserve a half-length margin from Revolution with Good News (Benny Woodworth) third another two lengths away. The winning time was 1min 12.39secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
Vorster, who had won at one of Pennywise’s previous four wins (all others with Nooresh Juglall up), said there were no two ways about it: The trouble-free run was a major boost.
“He didn’t have things his way at his last couple of runs,” said the South African jockey.
“Today, he had an easy lead and his sectionals were comfortable, and when he picked up in the straight, it was always going to be hard to get past him.
“Ricardo also had him rock-hard fit today. I thought John’s (Powell) horse (Red Dawn) was the only one with pace, but we found the lead quite easily.
“The more you ask him, the more he gives you. It’s great for (owner) Bernard (Kantor) as he’s had a lot of seconds lately. That win will keep him ticking along.”
Le Grange was also thankful to the South African businessman for his loyal backing through thick and thin.
“Bernard has been such a great owner to train for. He leaves all the decisions to me,” said Le Grange.
“And that to me is the key to luck and success. Pennywise was all heart today, he never gave up the fight.
“We’ll take it race by race with him.”
The son of Pure Prize has now taken his smart record to five wins and two thirds from nine starts for prizemoney around the $240,000 mark for Kantor.