After leading all the way last time out, Black Fiery made it back-to-back wins, but this time, by changing register to sit-and-wait tactics in the $60,000 Open Benchmark 67 race over 1100m on Friday night.
Trainer Theo Kieser had actually instructed jockey Alan Munro to stick to the same winning formula, but with some wiggle room for change should the speedmap not lend to it.
With Media Captain (Michael Rodd) going like last month’s pay from the get-go, the British rider immediately switched to Plan B, taking a drop onto the rails for a ground-saving run.
Fat Bobo (Mark Ewe), who flanked Media Captain on his girth for most of the way, drew first blood upon straightening, but Black Fiery ($22) was not far behind and soon made his intentions known as he came off his spot on the rails to attack the leader.
Fat Bobo held on gamely, but Kieser’s ward was just too good as he raced past to post a half-length victory.
Favourite Snitzel Spirit (Corey Brown), who was resuming from a 98-day break, tried hard but his lack of fitness told as he plodded on for third place another 1 ¾ lengths away from Fat Bobo. The winning time was 1min 5.23secs for the 1100m on the Polytrack.
“I spoke to Alan before the race and I told him to go forward, but if they go mad to take a sit behind,” said Kieser.
“They went very quick and obviously, we had to come off the pace. The strong pace suited him and he scored a nice win again.
“I’ll probably look around for similar races for him, but it will also depend on how much the handicapper gives him after tonight’s win.”
Munro, who knows stablemate Black Fury (also owned by RX Stable) better for having partnered him at all his three wins, seems to have quickly mastered Black Fiery’s quirks, though.
“I rode him only once before. He seems to have developed a good mental form,” said the English rider.
“He was quite difficult before, but he showed me a different side tonight. The pace was too fast and we took a sit and he responded very well when I asked him.
“Anyway, it’s Theo who did all the hard work. I’m just the jockey by accident.”
Black Fiery, a four-year-old by Tale Of The Cat, has now recorded four wins and four placings from 12 starts for stakes earnings past the $160,000 mark.
