Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Victorian-bred pacer Dark Eyes continues to improve, and he strengthened his claims for a start in the $200,000 WA Derby on November 1 when he was untroubled to lead all the way and beat nine-year-old Rock Me Over in the 2536m Retravision Click ‘N’ Collect Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“He is a relaxed type who does just what he has to do,” said leading reinsman Shannon Suvaljko after Dark Eyes, the $1.30 favourite, showed good staying potential to record a mile rate of 1.58.4 after dashing over the final quarters in 28.8sec. and 28.4sec.
Dark Eyes, who was competing against older and more experienced rivals, is prepared by Mike Reed, who has given the three-year-old a lengthy preparation in a bid to have him fit and ready to perform strongly in the 2536m Derby.
Dark Eyes is by Bettors Delight and is the second foal out of the Art Major mare Our Golden Goddess, who was retired to the breeding barn after a brilliant career of 29 starts for 17 wins, eight placings and $442,210 in prizemoney.
Dark Eyes, purchased for $60,000 as a yearling in Melbourne, has earned $45,607 from six wins and five placings from 26 starts.