Underrated sprinter Pole Paradise etched his name in the record books after he broke the course record for the 1100m on Polytrack on Friday night.
The Shaft seven-year-old has done nothing wrong since the last of his previous three wins in a Class 3 race over 1200m more than one year ago, but to see the $60 shot rail through under jockey Derreck David in the $100,000 Open Benchmark 83 race to better Good News’ record by 0.06 second was a feat not expected by many, not even his trainer John O’Hara.
But looking back at the favourable conditions under which the gelding headed into the race, the Singaporean handler was not all that surprised by the win.
“He had a drop in weight compared to his last race (51kgs from 58kgs) and he’s been knocking on the door,” said O’Hara who was snapping a long run of outs which was coming close to two-and-a-half months – since Satellite Prince on July 21.
“His last race over 1000m two starts back was very good. With no weight on his back and with a ground-saving run on the rails, he had things his way tonight.
“Derreck also rode a very good race. He knows the horse very well.”
The South African jockey was glad to make hay while the sun shines as he will serve a two-day suspension for careless riding after Sunday’s meeting. After enjoying the run of the race in the box-seat behind the pace set by Grand Cross (Glen Boss) and Pioneer Seven (Alan Munro), Pole Paradise was raring to go upon straightening.
All he needed was the gap to open, and when that happened, he just let rip. Al Green (Wong Chin Chuen) let down on his outside but fell short by half-a-length with favourite Constant Justice (Manoel Nunes) third another two lengths away.
“He really ran a great race. There was water on the track in the afternoon, and for him to break the record tonight was great,” said David.
“I thought Al Green would get us but my horse fought on gamely. At his last start, he had 58kgs and he had the tongue over the bit, he pulled too hard.
“He had only 51kgs tonight, and we knew there would be some pace tonight. I couldn’t believe it when the Dead Sea opened up on the rails.
“I’d like to wish a happy wedding anniversary to my lovely wife Angelique. She has always been my biggest supporter.”
With that fourth win, Pole Paradise has now taken his stakes earnings close to the $290,000 mark for the Arm Stable.
