English Gambler makes Great Northern statement
Lauren Brennan, trainer from Cambridge, is pondering a shot at the upcoming Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) with English Gambler after his recent victory at Te Rapa.
The nine-year-old gelding defied his $10.60 odds, leading the race from the start and maintaining his advantage until the finish.
Under jockey Hamish McNeill’s skillful guidance, English Gambler held a comfortable position throughout, consistently widening the gap between himself and his competitors.
The partnership secured a convincing 3.25-length win over Taika, while Nedwin finished a further 4.25 lengths behind in third.
Buoyed by the gelding’s impressive performance on the Soft 7 track, Brennan expressed her satisfaction and serious consideration of entering English Gambler in the Great Northern Hurdle.
“I was really impressed with him, Hamish gave him a lovely ride. He didn’t go too far in front and made it a true staying test,” she said.
“As long as he is in his rhythm and doesn’t get too keen early, he can hang on. I am really proud of him.
“We might have to seriously think about it (Great Northern) now, especially if the track comes up similar to this.
“He is just not that true heavy tracker hurdler. On top of the ground for him and he is happy.”
The victory was a tonic for McNeill, who had been left disappointed on missing a ride in the Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat on Sunday due to VISA issues.
“It has been a rough old week. I struggled to get a VISA, I was supposed to be going over to Aussie but I couldn’t get a VISA in time,” he said.
“Coming here (Te Rapa) there was a lot riding on it for me. Fair play to Micky and Lauren, they had this horse in great condition.
“He loves the track, he dropped the bit beautifully in front with a lap to go and I thought ‘they are going to have to come to catch me’.
“He has improved a lot this season. He is definitely toughening it out a lot more this year.”
McNeill believes English Gambler deserves his chance in the Great Northern and said he will be favoured by the likely better track in a month’s time.
“You can’t say no because they haven’t got to him at all. The tracks are only going to keep on drying out hopefully, which suits him down to the ground,” he said.
“Depending on how he pulls up, I’d say you have got to have a crack at it.”