Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Noted frontrunner Mea Culpa gave trainer Nathan Turvey and reinsman Kyle Symington the first leg of a double at Gloucester Park on Friday night when he led his ten rivals on a merry dance in the $25,000 Taste Of WA In Beau Rivage Pace over 2130m.
Turvey and Symington completed their doubles with the win of Chal Patch in the Catalano Kersley Pace.
“There is plenty of interest from American buyers and there seems to be a good chance he will soon go to the United States,” said Turvey. “The interest is mainly because he has good gate speed and is really good over a mile.”
Mea Culpa, a six-year-old gelding by Art Major and a winner of eight races in Victoria, has flourished under Turvey’s care and his 32 starts in WA have produced eleven wins and nine placings, boosting his earnings to $188,903.
Mea Culpa, the $1.80 favourite from the No. 1 barrier, was not extended after opening quarters of 30.8sec. and 30sec. before he increased the tempo with final 400m sections of 28.3sec. and 27.9sec. He won by just over a length from $15 chance Whatabro, who trailed him throughout. Veteran Vampiro ($8) was restrained from barrier eight and was eighth at the bell before finishing strongly into third place.