Ken Casellas | Photo: Pacepix
Former Victorian pacer Mea Culpa revealed wonderful fighting qualities to fend off determined challenges early and late before winning the 1730m Garrard’s Horse And Hound Australia And New Zealand Wide Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
He was the $2.10 favourite from the No. 2 barrier, and he had to defy a spirited challenge from $8.50 chance Regal Cheval, who began speedily from out wide at barrier eight to lead by a half-length early before Kyle Symington urged Mea Culpa forward to take up the running.
Mea Culpa then dashed over the opening three quarters in 28.7sec., 28.4sec. and 28.5sec., with $3.70 chance Master Publisher getting his head in front 450m from home. Again, Mea Culpa withstood this strong challenge, regained the lead and went on to win by a length from Master Publisher, rating 1.54.5 after a final 400m in 29.9sec.
“Mea Culpa generally races quite tough, and I knew that if he was right those challenges wouldn’t worry him,” said part-owner and trainer Nathan Turvey. “I’m stoked that he won and rated 1.54.5. He has breezed and gone 1.53 (over 1730m) and just got beaten.
“Kyle said that when he has driven him before he had been sharper. So, I’ll probably give him a little freshen-up and start again. He was only a cheap purchase who has well and truly exceeded what we were hoping for.”
After winning eight times in Victoria Mea Culpa has had 27 starts in WA for Turvey for nine wins and seven placings, taking his record to 104 starts for 17 wins, 32 placings and $153,986 in prizemoney.