Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
New Zealand-bred five-year-old Ventura was not extended in leading all the way for trainer-reinsman Gary Hall Jnr in the $19,000 Catalano Truck And Equipment Sales Ugga Dugga Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The $1.30 favourite from barrier three, Ventura surged straight to the front, and after a slow lead time of 38sec. and moderate opening quarters of 30.3sec. and 29.4sec. he dashed over the final 400m sections in 27.8sec. and 27.6sec. to beat $34 chance Rockandrollartist by 4m, after that pacer had enjoyed a soft trip, three back on the pegs. Tommy Waterhouse ($11), who trailed the pacemaker all the way, was a length farther back in third place.
Ventura, who rated 1.55.7 over 2130m, has blossomed since arriving in WA where his first 16 starts have produced nine wins and three placings, taking his overall record to 31 starts for eleven wins, eight placings and $86,503 in stakes.
He is by The Gold Ace and is the fifth foal out of Zitura, who earned $109,391 from nine wins and 19 placings from 61 starts. Ventura’s elder half-brother excelled on the track, earning $261,006 from 23 wins and 41 placings from 118 starts.