3 minute read
Star galloper Debt Collector returned in a big way on Sunday evening when saluting narrowly in the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy [1400m].
A dominant victor of the Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m], the now four-year-old was well supported to make a winning return, and that he did, albeit narrowly.
Ridden by regular rider Michael Rodd, Debt Collector adopted his usual position towards the rear with the Patrick Shaw trained Eclair Choice setting a fairly solid tempo in front.Spotting the leaders close to five lengths passing the 400m, Rodd never appeared to panic easing the four-year-old to the outside on straightening.
Cut loose inside the 300m, Debt Collector began to launch down the outside and despite wanting to drift outwards inside the final 100m, he still landed the verdict over the Alvin Tan trained Nova Strike.His fifth win from eight starts, the son of Thorn Park continues to raise the bar and returned a new career peak in the process.
Although only a narrow victor, the race sectionals tell a different story.For his last 800m Debt Collector was marked over 2.5L faster than his nearest rival with his last 400m marked 2.7L superior to his opposition.
Minor placegetters Nova Strike and Spanish Bay were only narrowly beaten however they were most advantaged by the race shape and in truth were flattered by the result.Both Debt Collector and Affleck were key sectional mark ups and appear the two to take out of the event.
From an historical perspective Debt Collector's performance wasn't rated as high as past winners Spalato, Super Easy or Better Than Ever, however the signs are still very positive.Having only broken his maiden status in November last year, the improvement Debt Collector has displayed has been nothing short of remarkable.
All in all he has improved close to 35 pounds and is clearly a galloper heading in the right direction.Debt Collector conceded a key fitness edge to all bar two of his rivals [Laughing Gravy and Emperor's Banquet) and given the way the race panned out, his performance in winning was simply ultra impressive.
In truth I struggle to see any of the horses that finished behind him beating him this preparation, he was clearly very vulnerable and still managed to salute the judge - he is a star!Last preparation he continued to improve with each performance and I can't see it being any different this time in.
The way he finished off his latest effort suggests he will only get better as he gets out over further and given trainer Cliff Brown has already compared him to former stable star Zac Spirit, you really have to sit up and take notice!“It was an incredible win, and honestly, I would have been happy if he had run third. He also defied the way the track has been playing when he came out wide. This horse can certainly do things other horses cannot," Brown said following Sunday's victory.
“Zac Spirit was a great horse, but this one has to be up there with the best."If not already in your blackbook, Debt Collector is a must, he is a star!