Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Consistency has been the hallmark of five-year-old Euphoria’s career, and he showed that he has a mind of his own when he scored an easy victory in the 2536m The Nullarbor Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The New Zealand-bred gelding, prepared by Gary Hall Snr, was driven by Maddison Brown and was a $14.40 from out wide at barrier No. 7.
“The plan was not to lead from barrier seven,” said Brown. “I thought that there would be a bit of speed on, so we were just going to settle back and stay out of it early and then mosey on around to the breeze mid-race.
“Junior (Gary Hall Jnr) told me that he would be keen on the gate and to watch him. I had my whip under my arm and didn’t have it over my shoulder, but he just came out pretty quick and I actually tried to restrain him.
“Then I saw Junior coming forward with Firerockfireroll, and I looked to my inside to see if I could find a spot when I realised that I was three-quarters of a length in front of Master Publisher. So, I went to the front where he loves to be.”
Firerockfireroll ($5) had a tough run in the breeze before wilting to finish fifth, and Euphoria dashed over the final 400m in 28.5sec. to beat the $2.90 favourite Mister Fortunia by 5m, rating a modest 2.0.6.
Mister Fortunia trailed Euphoria all the way and was blocked for a clear run until the final 100m before he finished strongly.
Euphoria, who managed two seconds from eights starts in New Zealand, has blossomed under the care of Hall Snr, and his 53 starts in WA have produced 12 wins, 24 placings and $145,185 in prizemoney.