Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Trainer Gary Hall Snr and his son, reinsman Gary Hall Jnr, did not have a particularly high opinion of Alta Tribute during his first couple of preparations when he did not race as a two-year-old and finally made his debut late last month, more than half- way through the three-year-old season.
But their opinions have changed dramatically following Alta Tribute’s four wins from his first four starts, all at Gloucester Park, for impressive victories.
The WA-bred three-year-old was the $1.20 favourite from the No. 3 barrier in the 7News Pace on Friday night when he gave a powerful performance to win by almost a length from $4 chance Tualou, rating 1.57.2 over 2130m after flying final quarters of 27.7sec. and 28.4sec.
New Zealand import My Silver Spoon was a well-supported $4.40 chance after scoring easy wins at his first two WA appearances, and trainer-reinsman Chris Voak attempted an all-the-way win.
Alta Tribute was left in the breeze, and Hall Jnr applied considerable pressure on the pacemaker before Alta Tribute eventually got the upper hand 600m from home. He increased his lead and won in fine style from Tualou, who fought on strongly from sixth at the bell. Dark Eyes ($23), who had every chance after enjoying a perfect sit, one-out and one-back, was a well-beaten third.
“When we first had him in work I didn’t think much of him,” said Hall Jnr. “But he has been getting better all the time and now he is definitely a chance of running in the WA Derby on November 1.
“You never know what he has left. I thought he was done on the (home) bend, and thought he was going to be run down. But the more you ask him for something, the more he gives.”
Hall Snr also was suitably impressed, saying: “He has exceeded all expectations. Early on, he was slow and big, but all of a sudden, the penny dropped, and he is now a realistic Derby hope.
“I was looking for Sweet Pins to run in the Derby, but he has broken down and probably will not race again.”
The New Zealand-bred Sweet Pins has raced only once, over 1684m at Pinjarra on July 1 this year when he began from the back line and raced without cover before getting to the front and racing away to win by seven lengths in the field of twelve, rating 1.56.5 after final quarters of 28.2sec. and 27.5sec.
“He then fractured a knee,” said Hall. “He is the best horse, apart from Quinny (Im Themightyquinn), that I’ve ever had.”
Alta Tribute is by Hall’s ill-fated former champion pacer Alta Christiano, and is out of Grinfromeartoear mare Harriet Price, who manage two wins from nine starts in New Zealand and one placing from eight WA appearances.