Sacred Elixir
Darryl Sherer
Trainer Tony Pike was remarkably upbeat 24 hours after narrowly missing success in one of Australia's most iconic racing events, the Gr. 1 VRC Derby.
Pike saddled race favourite Sacred Elixir but had to settle for second behind Sydney colt Prized Icon who had tracked Sacred Elixir throughout the race before dashing past him in the closing stages of the contest.
"We gave it our best shot and he went a super race," he said.
"He had a good run early in the race but Zac (Purton) was worried he might get boxed in by the tiring runners so he had to bump his way into the clear when the pressure was going on. That didn't really help him in the end as he got to the front far too early and it is a very long way home down that Flemington straight.
"He got left a bit of a sitting duck and the other horse got to slingshot off him which was the winning of the race.
"To his credit our guy never gave up and went to the line strongly so he has done us proud."
Pike reported the Pour Moi gelding had pulled up in superb shape after the gruelling challenge.
"He was very bright this morning and bouncing around like he had hardly had an outing," he said.
"He is booked on a flight home on Wednesday so he will go straight into the paddock for a quick break before we decide what to do with him next.
"At this stage the New Zealand Derby is an option so if he spells well we could see him resume in the Karaka Mile in late January before tackling one of the Derby lead-up races and then the Derby itself."
In the meantime Pike will turn his attention to Ellerslie on Tuesday where he has a number of runners engaged.
"We've got a good team in on Tuesday so hopefully we can get some success," he said.
"Skyweka is coming in fresh after some good form in her last campaign so we are keen to see how she has progressed while Nomisma is also in that race.
"Nomisma will have the blinkers on and is on trial for a start in the Couplands Mile. She would have to win well to contemplate going to Riccarton but I'm happy with where she is at so I'm hoping for a good performance."
Other Pike runners on the day include promising mare Hollywood Lass who kicks off her four-year-old season while the enigmatic Abaddon resumes in the 7th race on the card. – NZ Racing Desk
Pike saddled race favourite Sacred Elixir but had to settle for second behind Sydney colt Prized Icon who had tracked Sacred Elixir throughout the race before dashing past him in the closing stages of the contest.
"We gave it our best shot and he went a super race," he said.
"He had a good run early in the race but Zac (Purton) was worried he might get boxed in by the tiring runners so he had to bump his way into the clear when the pressure was going on. That didn't really help him in the end as he got to the front far too early and it is a very long way home down that Flemington straight.
"He got left a bit of a sitting duck and the other horse got to slingshot off him which was the winning of the race.
"To his credit our guy never gave up and went to the line strongly so he has done us proud."
Pike reported the Pour Moi gelding had pulled up in superb shape after the gruelling challenge.
"He was very bright this morning and bouncing around like he had hardly had an outing," he said.
"He is booked on a flight home on Wednesday so he will go straight into the paddock for a quick break before we decide what to do with him next.
"At this stage the New Zealand Derby is an option so if he spells well we could see him resume in the Karaka Mile in late January before tackling one of the Derby lead-up races and then the Derby itself."
In the meantime Pike will turn his attention to Ellerslie on Tuesday where he has a number of runners engaged.
"We've got a good team in on Tuesday so hopefully we can get some success," he said.
"Skyweka is coming in fresh after some good form in her last campaign so we are keen to see how she has progressed while Nomisma is also in that race.
"Nomisma will have the blinkers on and is on trial for a start in the Couplands Mile. She would have to win well to contemplate going to Riccarton but I'm happy with where she is at so I'm hoping for a good performance."
Other Pike runners on the day include promising mare Hollywood Lass who kicks off her four-year-old season while the enigmatic Abaddon resumes in the 7th race on the card. – NZ Racing Desk