The Miki Taker impressed with a smart last-to-first victory in the 2130m Follow The Stars To Allwood Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night, and will be set for the $100,000 Pearl Classic on June 11.
“He will head for the heats of the Pearl and hopefully will qualify for the final,” said Capel trainer-reinsman Aiden de Campo after the two-year-old gelding, the third favourite at $3.50, had surged home from last at the bell in the field of six to burst to the front 100m from the post and win by two lengths from $2.90 second fancy Whataretheodds.
The Miki Taker rated 1.58.8, with the final 800m being covered in 57.4sec. His three starts have produced two wins and a fast-finishing close second to Whataretheodds at Bunbury.
“He had a good run and his main danger Whataretheodds had to do a bit of work (in the breeze),” said de Campo. “Hopefully, after the Pearl he will be able to run in the Westbred Classic and the Golden Slipper.”
The Miki Taker is related to the de Campo-trained Bettor Be Oscar, who has earned $154,899 from 14 wins and 33 placings from 70 starts.
Bushwacked, the $2.45 favourite, set the pace in Friday night’s event before wilting to finish a well-beaten fourth.
by Ken Casellas