Less Ross continues juvenile racing streak
Eagle Farm trainer Les Ross’ prediction he would play a major role in the Queensland two-year-old races in the new year has continued to prove correct with Hancora Field’s win at Eagle Farm.
Since the start of the year, Ross has had 10 two-year-old runners for three winners and five minor placings, reaping nearly $300,000 in prize money and bonus payments.
Hancora Field ($7.50) got an easy lead and was able to walk through the first sections of the race before coming away to beat Jellishot ($21) by 1 1/4 lengths in the TAB Handicap (1200m).
Hancora Field was heavily backed but was run down in the final 100m by stablemate Mishani Machine when the pair ran the quinella in a race at the Gold Coast two weeks ago.
Mishani Machine was sent out the $2.25 favourite on Saturday before getting too far back and running on for fourth.
They are both owned by Mick Crooks who has more than a dozen young horses with Ross.
Crooks breeds many of his horses and Mishani Machine is one being by the sire Jet Spur out of the mare Lana Belle who has produced several winners.
However, Crooks went to $100,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sales for Hancora Field who is by boom sire Deep Field.
Both are paid up QTIS bonus horses and are headed for the $500,000 The Jewel at the Gold Coast on March 14.
“The QTIS bonus system is a great boon for everyone in the Queensland industry. It keeps many of us going,” Ross said.
“Hancora Field picked up nearly $80,000 in prize money and bonuses today so it is good money. We will have about eight entered for The Jewel but she will get a definitely get a run now,” he said.
“She got beaten at the Gold Coast but they went very hard in front. Today she was able to lead and dictate and was always going to be had to beat then.”