Riproar on VRC Derby path following Bendigo win
Promising three-year-old Riproar secured a significant victory for trainer Andrew Forsman at Bendigo on Thursday, marking Forsman’s first winner from his Macedon Lodge quarters.
The accomplished Kiwi horseman has a history of success with raiders from his Cambridge stable, whether training solo or in partnership with the Hall Of Famer Murray Baker.
Forsman’s relocation to the Macedon Lodge stables near Melbourne during the early winter saw him transfer several progressive and high-caliber horses.
Riproar’s triumph at Bendigo serves as a vote of confidence in the Victorian base.
Riproar, a half-brother to Mr. Maestro, who previously campaigned successfully for Forsman in Melbourne, mirrored his sibling’s path.
Mr. Maestro had a triumphant run last spring, clinching victory in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) and the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) before finishing fourth in the prestigious Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m).
As a gelded son of Charm Spirit, Riproar is expected to follow a similar trajectory as his older brother after emerging victorious against older horses in a BM64 company event at Bendigo.
Damian Lane skillfully guided him to a three-quarters of a length victory after overcoming a slow pace set by leader Wilmot Pass.
Forsman expressed his satisfaction with Riproar’s performance, stating, “It was a good effort. The leader had a picnic in front, and he got left flat-footed at the top of the straight, and I thought the leader was going to be hard to pick-up, but he did well.
“He is a young horse learning his way as he goes.
“That was good experience for him to get in amongst horses like that and have to flatten out and chase hard.”
This marked Riproar’s third run of the preparation, with a narrow loss when resuming at Bendigo and an unfortunate wide trip at Moonee Valley when finishing seventh to Ambassadorial.
Forsman is optimistic about Riproar’s continued improvement throughout the preparation, with the three-year-old’s next outing scheduled for the Super Impose Stakes at Flemington on October 7.
“He was a little bit above himself before the race, so I think he will take further improvement,” Forsman noted.
“He is a half-brother to Mr. Maestro and he shows similar ability. He has got to step up now and go to the next level.
“He is relatively fit, but we have plenty of options with the facilities at Macedon Lodge that helps keep their mind fresh, and I am sure it will help him heading forward.”