American Bullitt, with the worst winning record of just six per cent in the field of eight in the 2130m www.dtswa.com.au Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night, caused an upset when he started at $31.70, made the most of the No. 1 barrier and trailed the pacemaker Robbie Rocket before finishing strongly to win from $3.40 chance Otis.
Robbie Rocket ($3.40) faded to finish fifth, and the $3 favourite Give Us A Wave did not threaten danger and finished seventh. The David Thompson-trained Otis maintained his excellent form. He started from the outside barrier, settled in last position, raced three wide for much of the first lap and then raced in the breeze before taking a narrow lead on the home turn.
American Bullitt, trained by part-owner Sonia Zucchiatti, was purchased for $16,000 at the 2019 APG Perth yearling sale and now has earned $23,524 from two wins and six placings from 19 starts.
By the New Zealand-bred stallion Tintin In America, American Bullitt is the first foal out of Just Visiting, a Barnett Hanover mare who had 25 starts for two wins at Bunbury as a three-year-old in 2015.
Just Visiting is out of Royal Tour, the dam of eight winners, including Truckers Ruffnut (53 starts for 20 wins, 14 placings and $249,770), Tuxedo Tour (70 starts for 15 wins, 21 placings and $194,596) and Give Us A Wave (14 starts for two wins, eight placings and $90,708).
By Ken Casellas