Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Classy pacer Justcallmemiki enhanced his claims for a start in the Nullarbor slot race on April 17 when he proved far too good for his rivals in the $31,000 Trotsynd, Join The Fun Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
He is now a much better and a far more mature horse than he was when he drew out wide and raced at the rear before finishing last behind Mister Smartee in the Nullarbor in April last year.
Justcallmemiki, the $3.30 favourite, trained by Greg and Skye Bond and driven aggressively by Deni Roberts, coasted to victory over $8.50 chance Como El Viento, who finished solidly after enjoying a perfect trip behind the pacemaker Eldaytona ($12) in Friday night’s race.
It was a splendid performance by Justcallmemiki at his second appearance after a 14-week absence. It was his eighth win from 16 starts in WA and took his record to 28 starts for 12 wins, four placings and $270,500.
Roberts seized the initiative early when she dashed Justcallmemiki forward from the outside barrier in the field of eight to move to the breeze.
“I worked out early that the breeze was available, and considering it was very hard to come from behind on the wet track I was happy to go forward,” said Roberts. “Justcallmemiki is so versatile, he can do a bit of work, and he can sprint up very well.
“When he gets up in grade, I expect him to be a bit more of a sit-sprinter. But while he is making his way up, it’s good to use his versatility.”
Justcallmemiki’s win completed a double for Roberts and the Bond stable, following the success of Mad Monday in the Tickets On Sale For The TABtouch Nullarbor Pace over 2130m.
Mad Monday, the heavily supported $1.70 favourite, began from barrier four and got to the front after 300m before setting a brisk pace. He sprinted over the final 800m in 55.5sec. and won by 2m from last year’s WA Derby winner Runkle Crunch ($5) who fought on gamely after racing without cover. The winner rated 1.55.8.
“I think Mad Monday is a lot better than I thought he was,” said Roberts. “He went even better than he did when he won first-up two weeks earlier. He is still a bit on the green side, and he likes to cruise around.”
Mad Monday is sure to be a leading candidate for the $100,000 Preux Chevalier Classic for four-year-olds on April 17 as well as several rich feature events for that age group later in the year.