Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Up-and-coming New Zealand-bred five-year-old Ventura maintained his splendid form and was not extended in winning the $23,000 Catch A Wave Pace over 2536m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Trained and driven by Gary Hall Jnr, Ventura, the $1.40 favourite from the No. 5 barrier, raced without cover for the first lap before going to the front and setting a modest pace. He then sprinted over the final 400m in 28.3sc. and beat his stablemate Dalvey Robyn ($6.50), who ran home strongly after enjoying a perfect trip in the one-out, one-back position.
“I was pretty confident of winning with Ventura in that sort of grade,” said Hall. “What he does at home and what I have felt him do in races suggests that he is better than just good.
“I’ve managed a few little issues he does have, and he looks set to run in Free-For-Alls after another couple of wins.”
Ventura has shone in WA where his 18 starts have produced ten wins and four placings, taking his career record to 33 starts for 12 wins, nine placings and $108,620. He is by The Gold Ace and is the fifth foal out of Union Guy mare Zitura.