Crossing Guard to head to town after Muswellbrook win
THE long wait until the last race was worth it for the Paul Perry stable at Muswellbrook today when the consistent Crossing Guard took advantage of some good fortune in the straight to score.
Crossing Guard was one of two runners engaged for Perry, who also claimed a third with Ledecky in the sixth event on the card.
Jumping from barrier four, the $12 chance settled midfield on the fence under the guidance of Rachael Murray and was still looking for clear room swinging into the straight.
However, half way for home the leader, Prince Roo, started racing erratically, severely affecting several horses on his outside.
The fiasco allowed Crossing Guard to keep his momentum, striding to the front in the run to the line to score by 0.11 lengths over Prince Roo, with race-favourite No Effort Needed half a length back in third spot.
Crossing Guard sticks to the inside and gets the cash in a messy affair to close out the day at #Muswellbrook. pic.twitter.com/CIOJU4LrtQ
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 4, 2017
Speaking to Horse Betting after the race, Paul’s son Nathan Perry said he was happy to take the win, albeit a lucky one.
“That’s racing – it might be mine getting knocked down next week so you have to take the wins when they come,” Perry said.
Despite being double figure odds heading into the race over 1500m, Perry said he gave his charge a shot of causing an upset.
“I thought he had a chance – he is probably better over 2000m plus, but there is a lack of staying races around at the moment suitable for him.
“You have got to run them somewhere so that’s why he is here today, but even though it wasn’t ideal for him he got the chocolates so we are very happy with him.”
Crossing Guard has now faced the starter 54 times for six wins and 18 minor placings, with career earnings in excess of $126,000.
Owned by Perry’s wife Christie, the son of El Maggiore and Golden Show has turned into a bargain buy, having been purchased for just $800.
CROSSING GUARD won R7 Mt Arthur Coal B60 Hcp #PaulPerry #RachaelMurray RT1.33.01 ST 37.41 Margin Sh Hd x 1/2 lngth pic.twitter.com/ALphFV3axO
— Muswellbrook Racing (@thebrookracing) July 4, 2017
Perry said it was a massive thrill to win the race for his wife, who was also on track to celebrate.
“He is like part of the family – we all love him and it was great because all of our kids are here today with the school holidays so it was nice to have the family here today to see him win.
“My wife puts a lot into the industry – she breeds horses and she works seven days a week with them so I am very pleased for her after all her hard work to get some success here today.
“He is always around the money and when he runs seconds, thirds and fourths it all adds up. He was a late bloomer; he didn’t start out until he was a late three-year-old.”
Perry said he now hopes to head to town with the eight-year-old gelding to try and pinch a race over further ground.
“I’ll have a look at the calendar, but I think we will try and find something suitable in town at a mid-week meeting.
“He is definitely looking for the 2000m plus now, but if we can find the right race I expect him to be competitive.”