Trainer Brian Dean looks to have a promising three-year-old in Potluck, the winner of the $65,000 Restricted Maiden over 1100m on the Polytrack on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Ridden by Alan Munro, Potluck, an outsider in the betting at $189, scored a two-and-a-quarter length victory over the $7 favourite California Eagle (Joao Moreira) with Sacred Crown (Stephen Baster) a further one-and-a-quarter lengths away third.
Potluck had to do it the hard way throughout, racing three wide without cover, whereas the favourite had an easy time of it outside of the leader Rocket Rider (Aslam Erasmus).
Turning for home Munro took Potluck up to challenge California Eagle and after an initial battle was able to draw clear over the final 200m to record a strong win.
A cheap buy out of the Adelaide yearling sales for A$8000, Potluck was purchased on speck by Dean.
“(Wife) Wendy and I were at the sales and we had already bought four when this horse walked into the ring,” said Dean.
“Wendy said we hadn’t bought a black one yet and there was something about this one that we liked.
“He was a December foal and a little on the small side and I think that is what turned quite a few people off him.
“He’s a lovely relaxed little horse and the blinkers going on him certainly helped switch him on.
“He can go and have a bit of a break now and come back in the New Year. I think he’s going to keep improving and I’m certainly looking forward to next year with him.
“I’m looking forward to next year when a few more of the two and three-year-olds come out and hopefully there are a few more nice horses coming through.”
Munro said Potluck was still six months away from reaching his full potential but added there was a lot to like about the gelding.
“He’s a long striding horse but he’s just a bit on the light side at this stage,” said Munro.
“He’s got a lot of improvement to come from him and another six months will do him the world of good.
“The way he races and how he relaxed in the run suggest he should get further and with a bit more time I think he’ll develop into a nice horse.”
An Australian-bred by Mugharreb from the Lord Seymour mare Kalka, Potluck is owned by the husband and wife team and has around $35,000 in prizemoney following Sunday’s success.
