Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Gate speed is a vital ingredient in races at Gloucester Park, and Victorian-bred six-year-old The Mustang possesses abundant early speed and is relishing his customary role of pacemaker.
The Mustang was a hot $1.10 favourite from the prized No. 1 barrier in the $20,375 Team Bond Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night, and Gary Hall jnr enjoyed an armchair drive as he guided the gelding to a comfortable victory over $34 chance Mea Culpa, rating 1.56.8 over the 2130m trip.
This was his tenth start in Western Australia for five wins — all when setting the pace — and two placings to boost his career record to 75 starts for 20 wins, 29 placings and stakes of $228,482.
“He was not overly impressive, but he keeps getting the job done,” said trainer Michael Young.
The Mustang is by former star New Zealand pacer Changeover, who earned $2,321,676 from 29 wins and 16 placings from 66 starts.
The Mustang is fourth of six foals and the only winner out of Afalcons Dash, who had a modest record of 37 starts for six wins, ten placings and $23,013. Kirlian, the dam of Afalcons dash, produced Sandy Bay, who earned $198,896 from his 13 wins, including the 2907m Fremantle Cup in January 2005 when he defeated Ohoka Ace and Baltic Eagle.