Raw Impulse impresses in Aust debut
Top jockey Hugh Bowman has predicted a bright future for import Raw Impulse who has claimed an impressive victory at his Australian debut.
Raw Impulse raced past Better Land with 100m to go in Thursday night’s ADAPT Australia Handicap at Moonee Valley before being eased down to win by 1-1/4 lengths.
“I think he’s one to follow,” Bowman said.
“We might hear about this fellow in the spring, I think, on that performance.”
His time of 1:29.59 was a 1500m-track record.
“Everything went his way, but no doubt he has class on his side,” Bowman said.
“I think he feels like a mile-and-a-half horse to me. So you might see him in some better races if he gets to that trip.”
Formerly trained England by Clive Cox and now with Darren Weir, Raw Impulse races in the colours of Australian Bloodstock in a syndicate which includes cricketer David Warner.
Weir was also delighted with the horse’s introduction to Melbourne racing.
“He’s a magnificent looking horse,” Weir said.
“He’s a big strong horse and he’s copped the work really well. He’s been down at the beach at Warrnambool and then he had a couple of quiet trials and then we got a bit more serious with him.
“I thought he presented terrific in the yard tonight first-up, very fit and forward. And he raced that way.”
Warner, who is part of the Australian team to play Pakistan in the World T20 in India on Friday, tweeted his delight.
“Very happy with our import Raw Impulse first start. 1/1 with @HugeBowman on him. @Ausbloodstock @DKWeirRacing,” he said.