Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
New Zealand-bred pacer Vanderbilt has struck a rich vein of form, and he notched his fourth win from his past five starts when he revealed wonderful courage and strength to win the $27,000 Catalano Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“This time in, at his past seven starts, he has changed his physique,” said Mt Helena trainer Ray Williams. “He used to be fat, and now he looks like an athlete. And the more they put it to him in his races, the more he loves it. He just keeps trying.
“He is immature. He should have been a good four-year-old, but he wasn’t ready. Before, on race day, when you took the float around, you couldn’t catch him. Now, at home he is completely different, more relaxed and composed. And he seems to be getting better.
“He has won eleven races (from 26 starts for stakes of $100,109) and he reminds me of Pacific Warrior (who raced 89 times for 28 wins, 21 placings and $343,419).”
Vanderbilt was a $4.80 chance on Friday night when he was driven with great aggression and assurance by Aldo Cortopassi. The five-year-old gelding began speedily from the No. 5 barrier, took the lead after 250m and then withstood a strong challenge from the $2.50 favourite Blameitonthenight.
Then, in the final circuit Vanderbilt showed considerable strength to defy a spirited challenge from $34 chance Hes Never Been Beta before winning by a half-length from $10 chance Maungatahi, who finished strongly after trailing him throughout. Hes Never Been Beta finished third.
Vanderbilt, who rated 1.55.4 after final quarters of 28.7sec. and 28.6sec., is by Always B Miki and is the fifth foal out of Bettors Delight mare Traceys Delight, who was retired after four placings from 14 starts.