Consistent gelding Brickie’s Dream (Rock N Roll Heaven) scored his biggest success to date when he led all the way to take out the $50,000 Christmas Gift Pace at Gloucester Park last night.
Unfancied in the betting Brickie’s Dream showed dazzling speed from barrier 4 to comfortably take the lead and cross the second favourite Rock Artist. Driver Robbie Williams set an even pace in front. In contrast favourite Golden Lode was taken back in the field. From the second row I’m The Black Flash secured the one out and one back trail with the more fancied stablemate Ventura directly behind.
Deni Roberts abroad Golden Lode made a run at the bell and was able to flush out Ventura three wide to be taken up with a trail.
However Brickie’s Dream was still travelling well on the final bend and both Ventura and Golden Lode were making heavy weather of making up ground on the leader.
Showing surprising resilience Brickie’s Dream held off Ventura who never stopped trying with Golden Lode taking third placing.
BRICKIE’S DREAM REPLAY
Winning driver Robbie Williams expressed his confidence once his charge was in front.
“I thought that once we got to the pegs we were right in it then and once I got that 31 quarter I started to smile a little bit. We haven’t had a chance to fire him off the arm like we have tonight so to run a 36 lead and still fight on at the finish I thought he done a really good job”.
Ventura showed plenty of pluck and was gradually hauling in Brickie’s Dream at the finish. Golden Lode who as a three year old was the youngest runner in the event wasn’t disgraced and he should come back better as a four year old.
Earlier in the evening classy performer Lavra Joe (Roll with Joe) showed a welcome return to form when he took out the Yuletide Free For All. Appreciating the drop in class, Lavra Joe was too fast early in taking the lead and from then on never looked like losing as he strolled to an comfortable win over To Fast To Serious and Alcopony.
In recent weeks Lavra Joe had been racing in top flight company and had found the company a bit too hot. But last night’s win showed that the six year old gelding still has the class the match it on his night. In the future he will take beating in similar free for all company.
For complete race results, click here.
by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink