Ken Casellas | Photo: Pacepix
Veteran pacer Galactic Star earned a start in next Friday night’s $50,000 Winter Cup when he gave a bold frontrunning display to outclass his rivals in the $30,000 Rotary Club of Fremantle Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Driven with supreme confidence by Deni Roberts, the evergreen ten-year-old, the third favourite at $5.30, dashed over the final 800m in 56.6sec. and beat $12 chance The Mustang by two lengths, rating 1.56.6 over the 2536m.
The New Zealand-bred Bettors Delight gelding, trained by Greg and Skye Bond, is in the twilight of a marvellous career of 132 starts for 34 wins, 39 placings and stakes of $770,266.
But he is racing with such youthful zest that he could well gain a start in the $450,000 TABtouch WA Pacing Cup on November 10.
“He probably will run in the Winter Cup, and could even run in the Pacing Cup,” said Mrs Bond. “He is jumping out of his skin and has found another lease on life. Around the barn at home, he is full of life.
“I galloped him on Tuesday morning and had my arms pulled out. He is just in a really happy spot, and he is a special part of our family.
“Deni had lengthy discussions on Wednesday morning when deciding between Galactic Star and Himself as her drive in tonight’s race. If you had said that a month or six weeks ago, you wouldn’t believe it.”
Finvarra, the $2.25 favourite, began speedily from barrier three but was unable to seriously challenge Galactic Star for the lead. This left Finvarra in the breeze, and the five-year-old faded badly and was distanced in finishing 143 metres behind the winner. He was found to be lame in the off foreleg.
Prince Of Pleasure ($2.90) enjoyed a perfect trail in the one-out, one-back position before fighting on to finish third.