A rise in class did not stop Super Warrior from doubling his score in the $60,000 Class 4 Division 1 race over 1000m on Sunday.
After the Daniel Meagher-trained son of Magic Albert made all for Danny Beasley in a Maiden race over the same trip a month ago, sticking to the same winning script proved the right way to go.
Other than the slight increase in depth to the field, every other key element to the previous win was present, including the same barrier gate No 3.
When the four-year-old pinged out the gates to amble comfortably to the head of affairs, it was clear he might not get caught again if he was left out in front.
Super Warrior ($9), however, had to dig a bit deeper this time around when Effortless (Matthew Kellady) came with a rattling run at the 150m, but the winning post luckily came in time to save the Meagher-Beasley-Super Team Stable trio as Super Warrior fell in by half-a-length from his gallant challenger.
Old boy, 10-year-old Cool Cat (Mohd Firdaus) completed the trifecta another 2 ¼ lengths away. The winning time was 59.25 seconds for the 1000m on the Polytrack.
Meagher said Super Warrior was a horse who nearly did not make it to the track, but was glad that patience has paid off with two winners under his belt now.
“There was a high chance Super Warrior was not going to race when he first came to me. He had knee surgery and thanks to the owner’s patience, he’s kept at it and it’s all worked out for the better,” said the first-season trainer who was already at his 17th winner.
“Danny rode him a treat and it’s good to get another winner for the Super Team, who has been behind me from the start.
“The team has done a great job and here I have to say a special thank you to our track rider Ari. He’s the one who does all the work on Super Warrior.”
Beasley joined Meagher in deflecting all the credit to Ari, one of those many unsung heroes who does all the hard work behind the scenes.
“This horse is improving every time you sit on him. He used to be fast and aggressive, especially at his last two starts before his first win,” said the Australian jockey.
“But Dan and the stable boys, especially Ari, have done a lot of work undoing this, and I noticed the change last Saturday when I galloped him, he’s really improved.
“I think he’s still very strong-minded and he put on an antic at the gates, but he’s the kind of horse you must get on top or else, he will beat you.
“But he was okay in the race later. We got a soft run in front and he came up with a strong sprint to the line.”
With his two wins and two placings in five runs, Super Warrior has now racked up in excess of $70,000 for his connections.
