Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Remarkably, noted speedster Longreach Bay went into Friday night’s Team Bond Build A Hanger Pace over 1730m with a surprising record of failing to finish in the top four at his previous ten attempts over this sprint trip at Gloucester Park.
But up-and-coming young reinsman Joey Suvaljko put the record straight by driving the Peter King-trained eight-year-old to a dashing all-the-way victory as a $11.60 chance.
Longreach Bay gave his rivals little chance by setting a fast pace all the way and he won by 5m from the $2.80 favourite Prince Of Pleasure, who began out wide at barrier seven and raced in seven position on the pegs before Gary Hall eased him out at the bell to start a spirited three-wide burst.
“We found the top easily,” said Suvaljko. “He usually races on the bit, but tonight he was more relaxed, and I pulled the plugs on the home turn.”
Longreach Bay, a gelding by Renaissance Man, is enjoying a wonderful stretch of form, winning at eight of his past 13 starts, and he now boasts a splendid record of 82 starts for 20 wins, eight placings and stakes of $222,633.