Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
The 18 owners are enjoying the great consistency and strong competitive nature of Ima Fivestar General, who defied considerable pressure to win the 1730m Bridge Bar Is Back In March Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Ima Fivestar General, trained and driven by Robbie Williams, was the $1.70 favourite from barrier two who survived spirited early challenges before setting the pace from a determined Watts Up Sunshine in the breeze.
Watts Up Sunshine ($4.60) fought on with great determination, and Williams had to drive very hard to get Ima Fivestar General home by a half-head, rating 1.54.3.
Regal Cheval ($14) began brilliantly from barrier No. 7, and October Reign ($11) also began fast from barrier five in a concerted bid for the lead. However, Ima Fivestar General was up for the challenge, and he settled in front, with Watts Up Sunshine racing keenly in the breeze.
“Ima Fiivestar General has good gate speed but is not super quick (at the start),” said Williams. “Regal Cheval would have got the better of me early if October Reign wasn’t there (keeping that horse three wide). And that enabled me to keep the front.
“Ima Fivestar General had to dig in pretty deep. I’m not sure whether he was a bit flat or whether Watts Up Sunshine ran a huge race. Ima Fivestar General rarely runs a bad race. He has been ultra consistent since he arrived from New Zealand.
“Races over 1700m have been his best trip, but he is also definitely no slouch over longer distances. He is slowly making his way to Free-For-Alls.
“Mile racing suits him, but a run in the Pinjarra Cup (2692m) is a possibility.” Ima Fivestar General has had 55 starts for 14 wins, 15 seconds and five thirds for $195,010 in prizemoney.