Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Ravenswood trainer-driver Jocelyn Young predicted more successes for Insta Gator after driving the big gelding to a comfortable victory in the $23,000 Westside Auto Service Now Available Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“He was really sharp tonight and showed that we are on the right track (looking at the future),” said Young. “We got away with plenty early (a slow lead time of 39.1sec. and an ambling opening quarter of 31.6sec.). Everyone thinks he is tough, but he also has a good turn of foot.”
Insta Gator, the $3.20 second fancy from the No. 1 barrier, won the start and held the $2.35 favourite Vegas Strip at bay after that four-year-old at his first appearance after a spell had begun speedily from barrier four.
Mister Macedon ($19) dashed forward from the rear after 250m to race in the breeze, a move which enabled Vegas Strip to gain a favourable trip in the one-out, one-back position.
Vegas Strip started a three-wide move with 350m to travel, but it was short-lived, and he wilted to finish seventh, with Adda Spoilt major ($81) finishing second after trailing the leader all the way. Magnus Victor ($7) ran on from the rear to finish third.
Insta Gator sprinted strongly over the final quarters of 27.8sec. and 28sec. and rated 1.57.9 while improving his record to 37 starts for ten wins, 15 placings and $107,029.
He is by American sire Huntsville and is out of the Art Major mare Topless Beach Girl, who is best known as the dam of The Miki Taker, winner of the Pearl Classic for two-year-olds in June 2021, and boasts a record of 15 wins, 24 placings and stakes of $300,275 from 57 starts.