Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
An explosive burst of sizzling speed carried exciting four-year-old Waverider from seventh and last on the home bend to a superb victory in the $23,000 Christopher Dance Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
It was a compelling performance which enhanced the pacer’s prospects in the rich Golden Nugget late in the year.
“His turn of foot is unreal, and there are exciting times ahead,” said reinsman Kyle Symington after Waverider’s victory by a length over another smart four-year-old Thelittle Master.
“The Golden Nugget is his main aim,” said managing part-owner Kevin Jeavons, whose previous Golden Nugget runner was Shockwave, who ran home strongly to get up and win the big race by a head from Patrickthepiranha in December 2019. Waverider is prepared by Ryan Bell, who also trained Shockwave.
Waverider was the $2.40 favourite from the No. 6 barrier and Symington restrained him at the start, with $5 chance Heez A Vibe holding out $7 chance Magnus Victor, who began speedily from the outside barrier but was unable to cross to the front.
“I just kept telling myself to keep patient,” said Symington, who waited until 250m from home to send Waverider forward. Magnus Victor had then just got his head in front. Waverider was switched six wide on the home turn and he sprouted wings to burst to the front 75m from the post.
Waverider, who was purchased for $60,000 at the 2022 Perth APG yearling sale, now has raced 23 times for ten wins, eight placings and $203,368 in prizemoney. He is by American sire Downbytheseaside and is the fourth foal out of Premium Copper, a mare who was retired after her five starts as a two-year-old in 2014 produced one placing, a third in a five-horse field at Bunbury when she finished 72 metres behind the winner Delightful Jade.