Astute Oakford trainer Ross Olivieri has the lightly-raced New Zealand-bred seven-year-old Boom Time racing in splendid form, and the gelding relished his frontrunning role when he fought on determinedly to win the 2130m Retravision Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Driven for the first time by Chris Lewis, Boom Time was second fancy at $3.20, with To Fast To Serious the $3.10 favourite, and Boom Time’s talented stablemate Papinik at $3.50.
Lewis took full advantage of the No. 1 barrier, and a smart lead time of 36.3sec. kept his rivals at bay in the early stages. Lewis then gave Boom Time a breather with opening quarters of 30.2sec. and 29.9sec. before final 400m sections in 29.3sec. and 28.3sec.
Boom Time held on gamely to win by a neck from $41 outsider Shanway, who raced in seventh position on the pegs before Corey Peterson eased him off the inside 420m from home. The six-year-old then impressed with his powerful finishing burst.
To Fast To Serious, who was having his first start for five months, raced in sixth place, one-out and two-back, before Aldo Cortopassi switched him three wide with 4300m to travel. He did not threaten danger and finished sixth. And he is sure to be improved by the run.
Papinik, who started from the inside of the back line, trailed the pacemaker where he raced fiercely. He got off the inside in the late stages but was hampered for room and finished a disappointing fifth.
Olivieri was delighted with Boom Time’s performance, saying: “It was a very good field, and he ran the time. He’s got a fair bit of speed and a fair bit of guts.”
Boom Time is by Gotta Go Cullect and is the first foal out of the Washington V C mare Potomac, who was unplaced at her three starts, all as a four-year-old in New Zealand in early 2012. Boom Time won twice from five New Zealand starts, and at three of his seven Victorian appearances. He has raced 25 times in WA for seven wins and six placings. Friday’s win was his third from his past four outings.
by Ken Casellas