Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Spirit Of St Louis is one of Australia’s best pacers and will be a leading prospect in the $1 million Nullarbor Slot race on April 14.
And basking in the glow of the brilliant New Zealand-bred six-year-old is his younger brother El Chema, who gave a further illustration of his wonderful potential with an exciting victory in the 1730m Eighteen Carat Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Spirit Of St Louis has earned $969,776 from 24 wins and 14 placings from 54 starts, a career highlighted by two Group 1 wins, three at Group 2 level and another two in Group 3 events, as well as his last-start second to Catch A Wave in the Miracle Mile at Menangle early this month.
El Chema, purchased by outstanding Boyanup trainer Justin Prentice for $65,000 at the 2019 yearling sale in Christchurch, boosted his earnings to $93,341 from 11 wins and 11 placings from 29 starts after his fighting win by a nose over Street Hawk on Friday night.
El Chema, part-owned by Prentice, the gelding’s breeder Trevor Casey and three other stable clients, was the $1.60 favourite from the No. 3 barrier.
Four-year-old Hoppys Way, having his first start since early November, revealed his usual brilliant gate speed from barrier four to burst straight to the front, which left Emily Suvaljko with little option but to race in the breeze.
Hoppys Way dashed over the first three quarters of the final mile in 28.6sec., 29.6sec. and 28.2sec. with Suvaljko sending El Chema to the front with 520m to travel. Street Hawk, the $4 second fancy, settled down in eighth place before Deni Roberts sent him forward, three wide, approaching the bell. Street Hawk sustained his powerful finish, but El Chema fought on grandly to gain the verdict in an extremely close photo finish.
Prentice trained and drove Dracarys, a full-sister to El Chema, who had 29 starts for him in WA for 13 wins (including the Group 3 2018 Gold Bracelet). Dracarys, the first foal out of Spirit Of Art, was retired after having 59 starts for 17 wins, 12 placings and $211,371.
“I have really liked him and had a good opinion of El Chema from day one,” said Prentice. “He was a bit fiery and I have taken my time with him. It’s taken a long time. He has still got a bit to learn, and I’ll be looking to take him through his grades.
“I was concerned when he got caught in the breeze tonight. It’s not what he has done too much of in the past, showing toughness. So, it was good to see him fight out the finish like he did.”
Suvaljko maintained her winning form with a treble at Bridgetown on Sunday. She was successful with Abbee Bee ($5), Blockjorg ($4.40) and Trunkey Fetch ($1.55). Her father Shannon stole the show at the meeting at Northam on Saturday night when he landed four winners — Euston Flyer ($2.35), Feeling Aces ($15), Only Five Starzzz ($2.80) and Rising Spirit ($16).