Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Promising pacer Im The Black Flash has resumed after a five-month absence in splendid fashion with a close second and a very easy win in standing-start events.
He certainly enjoys the stands, having contested standing-start events at five of his past six starts, including his second placing behind Skylou in the Easter Cup last March.
His effortless win off 20 metres in the 2503m TABtouch Past The Post Handicap at Gloucester Park on Friday night was a firm indication that he is on target to contest important feature upcoming events, including the $50,000 Four-Year-Old Championship on November 15, the $125,000 Four-Year-Old Classic (November 29) and the $200,000 Golden Nugget (December 13).
Im The Black Flash, trained by Gary Hall Snr, was the $1.20 favourite in Friday night’s event in which he was driven by Stuart McDonald. He settled down in sixth position before McDonald sent him forward after 700m to dash to the front with two laps to travel.
He was not extended in sprinting over the final 400m sections in 28.9sec. and 28.8sec. to win by two and a half lengths from the $11 second fancy Paroquet.
The win took Im The Black Flash’s record to 24 starts for 11 wins, six placings and $178,589.
“He got jammed up a bit at the start, but he got away cleanly,” said McDonald. “I didn’t release the ear plugs, and he did it easily.”