The move to Ballarat from Caulfield in recent weeks for Henry Dwyer Racing has been smooth sailing for the team and today it was made even sweeter with a double on the home track.
With five runners heading to the All Weather Track just a stone’s throw from the stables, there was a quiet confidence that the team could find a winner or two today, but the synthetic can throw up some challenges and luck in running is often needed if not out in front at the turn.
Copper Fox obviously enjoyed his trip around the synthetic with a perfect steer from Ben Allen who had box seated in the run, with Allen pulling the 5YO son of Foxwedge from off the heels of the leaders to score impressively in the Porter Plant BM78 Handicap.
“He bounced, put himself in a nice spot and when they put the pressure on he was able to peel out and he did the rest,” said Allen.
“He felt good today on the firmer going, he was stronger in his action and he really let down and showed us what he could do.”
It was the fourth win for Copper Fox from 15 starts, with four other placings, showing how much of a consistent performer he is, with a last start seventh at Ladbrokes Park Lakeside clearly due to the heavy ground he met that day.
“It was good to see him back in the winner’s circle, obviously the firmer surface made the difference today,” said Henry.
“The horse is going really well… I think he is a chance to win a couple [of races] in town this preparation, he’s doing a really good job.”
If he pulls up well, Copper Fox could possibly backup in a Benchmark 70 race at Flemington next Saturday.
Less than hour later with Allen again in the saddle, Honorable Mention got another gun ride, this time again in the box seat with the sea parting on the turn, allowing the 5YO to find a gap and kick clear in the straight to come away for an easy victory in the Sportsbet – Elite Average Games BM64 .
Before his previous start, Honorable Mention ran well in a jump-out on the Ballarat Synthetic track looking to really relish the surface, before coming out at Pakenham where he was impressive from the tail of the field over 1400 metres on a day you needed to be closer to the speed.
It was a positive sign leading in to today’s run and he delivered in spades for connections.
“He jumped well and put himself in a nice spot and took away all the bad luck,” said Allen.
“He got the run when he needed it and he gave a really good kick and was very strong to the line.”
“He was super today, he began better from the gates which really paved the way for him to win quite easily” said Henry.
“He got a lovely run just behind the speed and while there was an anxious 50 metres there for Ben and those watching, luckily the gap opened up for him on the corner and he showed a really good turn of foot to put them away pretty easily”.
“This horse is now back to best and we have a nice race for him at Flemington next Saturday over 1500 metres all going well,” said Henry.
Honorable Mention ticks over $100,000 in prizemoney after today’s win, with more wins likely to follow in the near future if today is any guide. It might just be those sprightly Ballarat mornings that have the team humming in the middle of the Victorian winter.