Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Victorian-bred pacer Dominus Factum went into the 2130m The West Australian Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night as the winner of 17 races, 13 of which were achieved when he set the pace.
Ace trainer-reinsman Aiden De Campo was keen to use the six-year-old sparkling gate speed to advantage, but he planned to relinquish the early lead and drive the gelding with a sit.
Dominus Factum, a $12 chance, was first to begin from barrier five and he led for the first 250m before De Campo was happy to surrender the lead to $4.20 chance Classic Choice.
These tactics proved highly successful, with Dominus Factum enjoying a perfect trip behind the frontrunning Classic Choice and then finishing strongly to surge to the front 100m from the post before winning by just under a length from $6.50 chance Star Casino, who finished solidly from fourth at the bell.
“I planned to get out fast and lead, and then take the sit,” said De Campo. “I thought that if Dominus Factum led, he would cop too much pressure. So, it all worked out very good.”
Dominus Factum is by American Ideal and is the second foal out of the Bettors Delight mare Nikkis Delight, who raced 77 times for nine wins, 18 placings and $55,563.
Jett Star, the $1.65 favourite from the outside barrier in the field of seven, raced without cover and wilted over the final stages to finish fifth.