Ocean Beyond causes knockout blow in Straight Six
It was an absolute boil-over in the Listed Straight Six (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday, with Ocean Beyond getting the spoils on the stands’ rail.
Sent out as a $30 chance with online betting sites, the Stawell-based sprinter defeated two $71 hopes – Crestani and On The Lead – while Sirius Suspect filled the first four.
The well-backed favourite Front Page was disappointing after leading, while It’sourtime found little galloping room in the concluding stages.
It was all honours to the winner though, with the Andrew Bobbin-trained four-year-old winning in good style under Linda Meech.
2022 Straight Six Replay
“I thought I’d get the back of the favourite (Front Page) with Lewis German but it didn’t really travel and then I swapped onto the back of Luke (Nolen, Sirius Suspect) and I was just looking for a way to get out without causing any interference and I had a lap full of horse, I was travelling the best of anyone at the 200m,” Meech said.
Meech also said it was a big thrill to win for young trainer Andrew Bobbin, who was able to celebrate his first Stakes winner at headquarters.
“It’s a great feeling,” she continued.
“He’s young, he’s on the way up, he’s so positive.
“He’s a joy and a pleasure to ride for. I’ve been to his farm a couple of times, the way he’s turned it around in the last twelve months is unreal. It’s got to be seen to be believed what he’s doing.”
While it was a “joy and a pleasure” for Meech, Bobbin said today’s win was a “highlight” in his short career.
“This is what I always wanted to do,” he said.
“To win one here is certainly a highlight.
“He (Ocean Beyond) showed plenty of promise early, once he came to our place he’s just thriving in the country environment.
“He looks like a mountain goat, he’s that wooly and rough looking, but he lives outside in a yard and clearly it’s working.”