Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
New Zealand-bred five-year-old Ventura was recognised as a standing-start specialist with seven of his first nine wins coming in stands.
But now, under the care of trainer-reinsman Gary Hall Jnr, he is flourishing in mobile events in which one of his greatest assets is his sparkling gate speed.
Hall made full use of Ventura’s great speed from behind the mobile when he got the gelding away to a flying start in the $27,000 Dot Moore Hit the Dance Floor Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Ventura, the $1.40 favourite, sped straight to the front from the No. 3 barrier and after a slow lead time of 37.8sec. and comfortable opening quarters of 31.3sec. and 30.7sec. he dashed over the final 400m sections in 28.6sec. and 27.3sec. to win by a length from $10 chance Rockandrollartist, who fought on gamely after working in the breeze for much of the way.
Ventura rated 1.57.6 in notching his fourth mobile win from his past nine starts. After winning at two of his 15 New Zealand starts Ventura has had 21 starts in WA for eleven wins and five placings. He now has earned $134,114 and looks set for further successes.
“This looked his race on paper,” said Hall. “He deserved the win, and it was good for him to have a soft win.”