Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
New Zealand-bred seven-year-old Duty Bound broke through for a well-deserved win when he led and fought on grandly to beat Rombo Rabbit and Our Star Watch in the 1730m Sky Racing Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The Jemma Hayman-trained pacer, driven by Chris Lewis, was the $1.40 favourite from the No. 1 barrier after being placed at his three previous starts. Rombo Rabbit, the $4.20 second fancy, began speedily from the outside of the front line (barrier No. 9) and got a length in front but was unable to cross to the lead.
Rombo Rabbit then raced in the breeze and challenged Duty Bound in the final circuit. He fought on grimly and was beaten by just under a length.
“Duty Bound has come back a much better horse this preparation than he was at his previous preparation,” said Hayman. “He was 14 months without racing, and that first preparation back is always a bit difficult.
“He is a progressive type and should be able to creep up the grades comfortably. He has good gate speed, is determined and has a will to win.”
Lewis was happy with the win, saying: “I was confident he would hold out Rombo Rabbit in the last lap. When I asked him for an effort, he held the challenger at bay.”
Duty Bound raced five times in New Zealand for two seconds and then won five races in Victoria before coming to WA where he has had 12 starts for two wins and seven placings to take his career record to 48 starts for seven wins, 23 placings and $62,004.
He is by Mach Three and is the third foal out of the Washington VC mare Hereshoping, who raced 37 times for four wins, eight placings and $23,226.