Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Veteran horseman Russell Smith gave Im Spiderman twelve trials in 2018 and 2019 before giving the gelding his first start, as a three-year-old at Pinjarra in February 2019, when he began from the back line and worked hard before winning easily.
Smith and his son Dalton bred and own Im Spiderman, who is still racing with admirable enthusiasm as a late eight-year-old, and he boosted his earnings to $109,768 when Jocelyn Young drove him to victory in the 2130m Goodbye 2024 Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Im Spiderman, the $3.60 favourite, began from barrier four, dashed to the front after 100m and went on to win by a half-length from $8 chance Major Freeway, who battled on gamely after racing in the breeze and casting his off-hind shoe.
With Russell Smith, a retired prison officer and wool classer, keen to enjoy some of his favourite pastimes, including travelling, he handed over the preparation of Im Spiderman to Mundijong trainer Terry Atkins in August 2023, and the gelding has had 23 starts for Atkins for three wins.
Smith said that Im Spiderman, a sturdy and good-natured pacer, thrived on racing, just as his dam Caseys Best did in a career of 159 starts for 14 wins, 34 placings and $103,629 in prizemoney. Caseys Best won eight races at Globe Derby Park before notching another six wins in WA.
Smith and his son also bred Im Batman, who retired three years ago with a record of 164 starts for 15 wins, 29 placings and $120,217. Smith retains fond memories of winning city races in the 1970s with Mighty Mirage and Roan Court.
The 78-year-old Atkins has only three pacers in his stable, Im Spiderman and smart three-year-old fillies I Cross My Heart and Copy Of Paris. From 48 starters in 2024 Atkins has won seven races, three with Im Spiderman and two each with his fillies.
Highlights of his career include winning the Group 2 Sales Classic for two-year-old colts and geldings with Moto Perpetuo in February 2008, and the Group 3 Kalgoorlie Cup with Blissful Snag in September 2009.