Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Arma Einstein, second in last year’s Four and Five-Year-Old Championship, went one better when he scored am impressive victory in the $50,000 feature event sponsored by Larkhill Vets at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The West Australian-bred gelding was the $3.70 favourite from the No. 1 barrier and was driven confidently by Maddison Brown, who was able to stave off a strong early challenge for the lead from Blitzembye and then set a brisk pace on the way to winning by a length from the fast-finishing $7.50 chance El Chema, with the talented four-year-old Swingband ($9.50) a head away in third place at his first appearance for just over six months.
The win gave veteran Banjup trainer Colin Brown his third success in this event — after driving the Greg Bond-trained Ohokas Bondy (2012) and Your Good Fortune (2013) to impressive victories. He has been more than happy to have his daughter Maddison driving Arma Einstein.
Indeed, Maddison has formed a strong bond with Arma Einstein, having handled the gelding 19 times for five wins, four seconds and three thirds — boosting his career earnings to $265,676 from 17 wins and 36 placings from 83 starts.
“Dad warned me about the likelihood of a strong early challenge from Blitzembye,” she said. “He told me to come out as quick as you can, because we want to be behind the leader and not three back on the rails.”
However, Blitzembye was unable to cross to the front and then Arma Einstein had to fend off Stamford, who began speedily and got almost a length in front of him after 100 metres. After those unsuccessful challenges Arma Einstein relished his frontrunning role.
“When Eldaytona ($13) came around and challenged after a lap, it fired my horse up a bit,” said Brown. “Arma Einstein was still travelling (strongly) at the 600m, and I was fairly confident, even though I thought he might get tired late. So, I dashed away coming to the corner.”
Arma Einstein ran home in 29sec., after speeding over the middle quarters in 28.5sec. and 28.6sec. and rating a smart 1.55.4 over the 2130m.
Swingband looks set for an excellent campaign after his superb first-up performance. He raced three wide early and then in the breeze before fighting on strongly in the final stages. El Chema also impressed with his powerful late burst, coming from seventh at the bell to finish third.