Four-year-old gelding George The Giant broke through for his maiden victory at start number four on Tuesday over 1500-metres at Mornington. Connections had to be content with sharing the spoils, however, with the big galloper switching off in the concluding stages and allowing race-favourite Chaichna to dive and secure a dead-heat result. The pre-race plan was to settle in or outside the lead and bowl along freely in front of the field. Jockey Josh Cartwright elected to tuck in behind the leaders but was able to extract his runner rounding the home bend and give him the clear galloping room he craved. The hulking son of Sports Edition looked to have the race in his keeping 100-metres from home but Cartwright felt his mount take the foot off the pedal and wait for a runner to challenge him. “The last 50-metres he was really looking around”, Cartwright said. “I gave him a couple of quick backhanders and he was just wandering. When the other horse came to him he kicked again”. Trainer Dwyer was pleased with the win but lamented his runner’s immaturity. “Obviously good to get a win. He was entitled to win a bit easier – he just did what he had to.
“It is all ahead of him. He’s progressed each run he’s had so far.”
Dwyer is happy with how his runner is presenting physically and will continue to run him while he’s sound and in good order. “He looks great. I don’t want to waste his good form and good fitness at the moment. He’ll benefit from further racing and just doesn’t need a break at present.”
There are several options in the coming weeks for George The Giant to step out at the races again and the stable are keen to see what he can produce in stronger grade next start.