When you are a son of Fastnet Rock first-up at Bendigo on a mid-week Wednesday race meeting, there is always going to be some interest in you as there was when Hugh Hefner hosted parties and the Playmate of the Year walked in the room.
But while the expectations are high for Irish Playboy long term, he showed today that even though he wasn’t totally screwed down and is set for a short campaign ahead of a return in the autumn, the 4YO gelding has a big future ahead of him at HDR.
A big, gross horse, described affectionately by Henry as a ‘Dumbo’, Irish Playboy was all business today as he chased down the Danny O’Brien trained Early Morning Rise to take out The Big Screen Company Class 1 Handicap at Bendigo.
Even racecaller Matt Hill, the best in the business, thought the margin was too great to make up given the winners of the day had mostly been on pace, but Michael Poy had timed his run to perfection in the shadows of the post.
“That was a good win first-up,” said Henry.
“We spoke to Michael about riding him quietly, but riding for luck, as opposed to coming out wide and trying to make ground, which would have been in our plans normally.”
“The leader went for home about 600 metres out and a run presented and just as the leader looked home, he charged down and chased it down late,” said Henry.
It was a great starting point for Irish Playboy’s preparation today as Henry looks to give him a light preparation of two or three runs before tipping him out and bringing him back for an autumn campaign.
“He had a good blow after the race, so there is still a fair bit of improvement in him, he’s had a few jump-outs but not much work in between, so he will derive a lot of benefit out of today and improve again next time,” said Henry.
That doesn’t bode well for his competitors next start, with this Irish Playboy certainly no bunny.