Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Classy three-year-old Vegas Strip resumed after a five-month absence in fine style with an all-the-way victory in the Nova Boy’s Race Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The Greg and Skye Bond-trained New Zealand-bred gelding, the $1.20 favourite, had an easy time in front with a slow lead time of 38.7sec. and an opening 400m section in an ambling 31.5sec. before dashing over the final quarters in 28sec. and 28.1sec. to beat the resuming Bet The House ($3.80) by a neck, rating 1.57.8 over 2130m.
“I had talented horses all around me and I didn’t think I’d win so narrowly,” said Deni Roberts after driving Vegas Strip conservatively. However, Vegas Strip was never going to let anything past him. It got a bit close for comfort, and I think next time I will rate him a bit quicker throughout the journey.”
Vegas Strip, whose main mission this year is the rich WA Derby on November 8, is by American Ideal and is out of Vegas Delight, who had 36 starts for five wins, 14 placings and $48,071. After one placing from two starts as a two-year-old in New Zealand Vegas Strip has raced eight times in WA for seven wins and one second placing (behind Grevis).
Vegas Strip’s full-brother Double Up won 13 times for the Bonds in WA, and he is now racing in America, with his record standing at 89 starts for 20 wins, 30 placings and $250,518.
Im Themightylucy, a half-sister to Vegas Strip, has earned $91,814 from 11 wins and six placings from 39 starts. Seven of those wins were in WA, and she has won at her past three starts in May this year, at Port Pirie and twice in Launceston.