Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Several Cup events are on the agenda for New Zealand-bred six-year-old Patronus Star, who made amends for his unlucky sixth in the WA Pacing Cup the previous week by scoring an impressive victory in the $30,000 Media Guild Cup at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“We will be heading for the $50,000 Pinjarra Cup (March 6),” said co-trainer Skye Bond after talented driver Deni Roberts had driven the $4.70 second favourite Patronus Star to a half-length win over stablemate Glenledi Chief ($6), rating 1.56 over the 2130m journey after the final 800m was covered in 55sec.
Patronus Star, Glenledi Chief and Minstrel also will be set for upcoming feature events, including the Governor’s Cup (March 17) and Easter Cup (April 7).
“He was unlucky in the Pacing Cup,” said Mrs Bond. “He would’ve run third if he had got clear running. Tonight, he enjoyed the opportunity to sit in the one-one position and sprint home.”
The win gave Roberts her second win in the Media Guild Cup, following her all-the-way success with Balcatherine, who beat Chicago Bull by a neck 12 months ago. Champion trainers Greg and Skye Bond, who prepared Patronus Star, also won the Media Guild Cup with Ima Rocket Star in 2013.
Patronus Star, an American Ideal gelding, won at two of his seven New Zealand starts and his 41 starts in WA for 13 wins and 13 placings have taken his career record to 48 starts for 15 wins, 16 placings and $457,955.
Hampton Banner was the $1.65 favourite from the No. 1 barrier in Friday night’s Cup, but he disappointed in setting the pace before fading to finish fifth in the field of six. Glenledi Chief maintained his splendid form in finishing second. He moved to the breeze 550m after the start and took a narrow lead 250m from home.