Dundeel gelding Almonti ($4.20) registered a second career win from the mile start at Swan Hill, finishing best down the centre of the track to take out the Quambatook Cup on Saturday. The four-year-old gelding was given a sweet run by Mitch Aitken from an awkward draw, beginning well and slotting in better than midfield in the three-wide line with cover. Tiring runners in front forced Aitken to corner four-wide, but he found suitable ground away form the rail to run on and chase down Live Life Loud ($41), who had enjoyed run of the race. Almonti put the writing on the wall with a solid effort first-up at Ballarat over a shorter trip, and gives the impression he’ll continue to improve when stretched out over more ground.
“He was super today”, Aitken said post-race. “Tucked in behind the leaders and found cover three deep. We just got stuck behind a slow one and had to go out and around it.
“He was strong through the line, he’ll benefit from the run”.
Henry was pleased with the result and is keen to get out in trip next start. “He was just getting warmed up on the line I reckon. Straight to 1800, 1900 or even 2000-metres next time. I think he’s still improving.
“Longer (distance), and on wetter tracks, he can progress to a few better races than this”.
Saturday was Almonti’s second career win from eight starts, his first since breaking his maiden at the same track and trip in August last year, and looks ready to go on with the job and find the winner’s stall again this preparation.