Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
“He’s the stable’s least favourite horse because of his character and a habit of not trying hard,” said Emily Suvaljko after driving Montana D J to victory in the $31,000 Grange Bloodstock Insurance Company Pace over 2536m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The New Zealand-bred six-year-old, trained by Michael Young, was a $6.90 chance from the No. 4 barrier when he raced without cover for the first 600m and then enjoyed an ideal passage in the one-out, one-back position before starting a three-wide move 350m from home, taking the lead 130m later and holding on to win by a neck from the $3.70 equal favourite Vegas Strip.
“When I pulled him out, he sprinted really good before he switched off a bit when left alone in front,” said Suvaljko. “I worked harder than the horse, who is not everybody’s favourite.
“He did a bit of work early and fired up, but once he got cover, he relaxed. I knew the 2536m wouldn’t bother him after he performed so well over 2936m the previous week.”
Vegas Strip, making his second appearance after a spell, trailed the pacemaker and $3.70 equal favourite Hoppys Way and he finished strongly in between horses in the home straight to finish second.
Montana D J, who rated 1.57.9, is by American sire Captaintreacherous and is the ninth foal out of One Dream, who was retired after a superb career of 23 starts for 18 wins, five placings and $846,467 in prizemoney. His WA record stands at 15 starts for three wins and four placings.