Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Four-year-old Elwaddell disappointed when a beaten favourite last Friday week before bouncing back to form to win the Nathan, Nat and Shaun Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Elwaddell ruined his chances when fifth behind Star Of Willoughby by overracing badly, and part-owner, trainer and driver Lindsay Harper attributed his improvement to a change of gear.
“I had a pulling bit on him last week which he seemed to resent,” said Harper. “So, I took it off and he raced with a normal snaffle bit tonight. We plugged him up and he didn’t overrace.”
Elwaddell, the $1.70 favourite from the No. 2 barrier, challenged the polemarker and $8 chance Lord Publisher hard for the early lead before forging to the front after 300m. He then set a solid pace and won by more than a length from the $4 second fancy Swagger Man, who ran home solidly from sixth at the bell. Lord Publisher was two lengths farther back in third place.
“Once he got to the front, he dropped the bit and ran even quarters,” said Harper. “I think there was plenty left in the tank, and I expect him to keep getting better.
“He had a tough campaign last year when he raced against all the good three-year-olds. He wasn’t quite up to them but did quite well. He is a work in progress, and I think he is a metropolitan horse capable of winning another eight to ten races.”
Elwaddell is by American Ideal and is the third foal out of Hilmore Disco, who raced 80 times for three wins, 22 placings and $38,217.