Fourth-up and out to 2000-metres proved to be the winning formula for three-year-old galloper Lupine ($2.50) at Stawell last week. The gelded son of Tivaci always looked in control of the race, relishing the opportunity to be ridden closer to the speed on a track with plenty of juice from overnight watering. Lupine jumped well from an inside barrier and led past the post for the first time, jockey John Allen happy to give his galloper a breather and let rival Tough Judge ($6) take up the running at the 1300-metre mark. Allen moved up and pressured the leader at the 600-metre pole, taking over soon after and booting three lengths clear with a furlong left to travel. Quadratic ($5.50) was the only possible danger after enjoying the softest of trails, but was unable bridge the gap, Allen sitting up for the photo aboard his convincing maiden winner. It was the first of four winners on the day for the champion hoop, who read the pattern of the day from the outset. “The leader was gone at the eight-hundred, I just let him (Lupine) keep rolling. I didn’t want to slow the tempo too much and give the backmarkers a chance to get into the race.
“He gave me a good ride”.
Henry was pleased with his galloper’s toughness in the run. “They went pretty solidly the first six-hundred”, he said. “Interestingly, the horse that went with us in front…dropped out and was beaten fifteen lengths. Our bloke was the only on-pacer to stick it out”.
Lupine had a good blow post-race, prompting Henry to suggest there is still good improvement to come from his promising stayer, who may have one more start before heading north of the river to Albury in late March.
Lupine’s maiden win came at start number five, giving every indication he’ll get out over more ground when the opportunity arises.