Vandyke & Clark combine for Country Cup glory with Slippin’ Jimmy
David Vandyke & Tim Clark combined with Slippin’ Jimmy ($3.40) to claim victory in the Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon, making every post a winner to secure the $500,000 prize.
The son of Pariah brought a formidable record of nine starts for fives wins and two more minor placings into this first-up assignment and never looked in any danger despite his 162-day absence, pinging the lids to lead from stall one under Tim Clark.
The well-supported favourite with horse racing bookmakers was never truly hassled up on speed, with rank outsider with Neds, Hodgson ($81.00), the only other horse to press forward in the early stages.
King Gutho ($23.00) was able to lob onto the back of the leader from stall four and was given every chance to chase down the leading pair turning for home, while Flying Bird ($9.00) and Bencoolen ($21.00) were stalking from mid-field.
Slippin’ Jimmy gave a strong kick with 400m left to travel, and while King Gutho was making strong inroads late, it was to no avail as Slippin’ Jimmy was already off and gone with the prize.
Magic Millions Country Cup Replay – Slippin’ Jimmy
David Vandyke was on course to breakdown the victory and suggested this was the target a long way out.
“He loves to run and he was set for this race,” Vandyke said.
“From last year we wanted to having him in this race, and to win it is a dream.
“Wonderful group of owners, they love their racing.
“We were trying to meet the qualifications for the race and we were heading around trying to find the right races.
“I have to say that Mark Cook was a big help there and he was saying ‘go to Coffs, go to Grafton’, and I did, and he won.
“When we got here we were a bit worried about the rain, but he loved it and was straight to the front. Beautiful.”
Tim Clark was impressed with the win as well, crediting the stable for the first-up romp.
“David prepared him brilliantly,” Clark said.
“He trialled up nicely against a good three-year-old he is building a great record.
“Six wins from ten, he makes his own luck and I just wanted to hold onto him as deep as I could be for the first 1200 (metres). He kicked strongly and it was a good, touch effort.”
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