Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Thomson Bay has recovered from a series of leg ailments, and he gave a sample of his ability at his third appearance after a 16-month absence when he won the 1730m @Thetrotswa On Facebook Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Thomson Bay, the $1.80 favourite from the No. 2 barrier, set a fast pace for Stuart McDonald with quarters of 29.1sec., 29.2sec., 28.7sec. and 29.6sec. on his way to winning by a neck from $7 chance Classic Choice, who was seventh on the pegs at the bell before running home fast, despite having a sulky tyre punctured 550m from home.
Thomson Bay was brought to Gloucester Park by trainer Corey Rogers, substituting for the six-year-old’s trainer Hayden Reeves, who was enjoying a weekend of family fun at the annual Kulin bush races.
“I was confident of success, from the ideal draw and over the sprint trip,” said McDonald. “I was very happy with his first-up run (fourth behind Rascal) and even more happy with his second-up run (second to My Prayer).
“I thought he could lead and win. And he did it easily. Once he got away from the others, he knocked off, but he still had a bit left on the line.”
Thomson Bay is by former champion pacer Mr Feelgood and is the only foal out of the Rich And Spoilt mare Geordie Bay, who had eleven starts for two wins (at Bunbury in September 2012) and earnings of $7399.