Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Bargain pacer Thomson Bay ended a losing sequence of 18 when he gave a spirited frontrunning display to win the 2130m Trotsynd Join The Fun Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Stuart McDonald took full advantage of the No. 1 barrier by setting the pace with Thomson Bay, the $3.60 third favourite, who was not extended in beating $34 chance Name In Lights by just under a length, rating 1.57.4 over 2130m.
“His recent form hasn’t been his absolute best, but we wanted to see where he’s at,” said McDonald. “The barrier and being out in front suited him.
“Having the main dangers Magnus Victor ($1.95) and Chivalry ($3.20) off the bit in the back straight was good, and I wasn’t too concerned at having Name In Lights trailing us. After the first half (61.2sec.) I was confident, and he won with a little bit left.”
Thomson Bay is prepared by Coolup trainer Hayden Reeves, who was at Bunbury on Friday night with a team of eight pacers. Thomson Bay was brought to Gloucester Park by Kim Prentice.
Reeves has no regrets at paying $1000 for Thomson Bay after the pacer had finished a dismal last on debut as a two-year-old at Pinjarra in June 2019. Since then, Thomson Bay has had 64 starts for Reeves for earnings of $150,652 from 15 wins and 13 placings.
Thomson Bay is by former champion pacer Mr Feelgood, who won 39 races and $3.3 million in stakes. He is the only foal out of Rich And Spoilt mare Geordie Bay.