Ken Casellas | Photo: Gloucester Park Harness Racing
Two-year-old colt Soho Firestone, who failed to attract a bid at a Victorian yearling sale last year, produced a sample of his ability when he romped to an easy victory in the Taste Of WA In The Beau Rivage Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
He was the $1.95 favourite from barrier two and gave Mitch Miller an armchair drive as he set a solid pace before sprinting over the final quarters in 28.4sec. and 27.6sec. to win by just under four lengths from $15 chance Fess Up, rating a slick 1.56.2 rate over 1730m.
This was Soho Firestone’s second win from eight starts and took his earnings to $24,285.
Trainer Kim Prentice said that he planned to geld Soho Firestone about a month ago, but he changed his mind when the colt’s attitude changed.
“He has really turned the corner in the past three to four weeks,” said Prentice. “He was laid back and very relaxed, and he didn’t give a damn about anything. But his attitude has really changed, and he had no luck when seventh in the Golden Slipper last Friday. His run was very good, and we were very confident tonight.
“He will either go to the paddock this week or have one more run in a fortnight before being spelled.”
Rob Watson bred Soho Firestone, who is by American stallion and is the third foal out of the unraced Art Major mare Soho Margaux, who is a half-sister to the American-bred pacer Westernator, who did the bulk of his racing in WA before being retired after his 64 starts produced nine wins, 22 placings and $88,748.
Prentice drove Westernator eight times, including his debut victory in a C0 event at Gloucester Park in November 2013.
“Robert tried to sell Soho Firestone at a Victorian yearling sale last year, and he did not get a bid for him,” said Prentice. “I said to Robert that I would take him home and break him in, and we’ll go 50-50.
“He has always shown ability but had a poor attitude. However, the penny has dropped in the past month, and I think he will develop into a very nice three-year-old.”