Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Champion reinsman Gary Hall jnr lavished praise on Alta Intrigue after he had driven the injury-plagued seven-year-old to a thrilling last-stride victory over the pacemaker Roman Art in the 2130m Garrard’s Gloucester Park Pace at headquarters on Friday night.
“He went super,” said Hall. “I didn’t think he was that good. He is a magnificent-looking horse who just keeps getting better and better.”
And champion trainer Gary Hall snr said: “Alta Intrigue is doing a good job, particularly for a horse who has suffered a bowed tendon three times over three years.”
Alta Intrigue was a firm second fancy at $2.60 and facing a stiff test from the outside barrier in the field of nine, with noted frontrunner and $2.35 favourite Roman Art perfectly drawn at barrier No. 1.
Roman Art, driven by Emily Suvaljko, led for the first 200m before Donald Harper sent the speedy Thereugo to the front and then was happy to take the sit behind Roman Art 250m later.
Alta Intrigue settled down in last position before Hall jnr wisely dashed him forward in the first lap to race without cover as Roman Art sped over the final three 400m sections of the last mile in 28.5sec., 28.2sec. and 28.9sec.
Alta Intrigue responded grandly to Hall’s urgings, and he fought on with great determination to snatch victory by a half-head, rating 1.56.4.
Alta Intrigue won at four of his 26 starts in New Zealand, and his 35 starts in WA have produced eight wins, ten seconds and three thirds for a career record of 61 starts for 12 wins, 26 placings and stakes of $230,773.