In Galaxy Ghost’s previous two runs at Warrnambool, the 5YO has loomed at the 200 metre mark like his namesake in Ghostbusters and all but looked the winner, only to tire late to finish fourth on both occasions.
But down in grade and with a wet track to suit at Wangaratta yesterday, he was perfectly rated by jockey Beau Mertens to score his second career win in the Sportsbets 0 – 58 Handicap over 1300 metres.
With a tricky draw and knowing that others in the race would be keen to have the son of Zoustar pocketed in the run, Henry’s instructions were ringing in Merten’s ears as he stayed off the fence so he could track into the run and gather momentum out wide as they entered the straight.
“It was good to get another win on the board with him,” said Henry.
“He was a bit slow out and I could see Beau thinking as to whether to go back to the inside, but he did the right thing about 200 metres after the start and angled out, even if he was going to be caught three wide.”
“He did a good job today, a heavy track, 62 kilograms, carted right around the outside on the home corner… he certainly didn’t have things go his way.”
“1300 metres is his real sweet spot and fingers crossed he can go on with it now,” said Henry.
It was Beau Mertens first ride on the horse and hopefully the winning combination can continue moving forward.
“We were a little bit further back than we wanted to be, he was a bit slow away and I had to give him a bit of encouragement to get to where we eventually ended up,” said Mertens.
“We had a nice run three deep with a bit of cover and I put him in where I thought was the nicest part of the track at this stage of the day, he really picked up well and ran over the top of them in the last 100 metres.”