The Iron Duke delivers yet again in Christmas Gift

Former Victorian pacer The Iron Duke (Always B Miki) scored his best win to date when he powered away to take out the $50,000 Trotsynd Christmas Gift at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Fresh from his heat win when he finished strongly to win The Iron Duke was driven by Deni Roberts in the Final as Gary Hall Jnr elected to drive Nathan Street.

In an action packed race, Roberts allowed The Iron Duke to settle down early back in the field but one out off the fence. The pace was on at the start with Blaze Away and Blazing Reactor having a spirited battle for the lead with the former holding the front position.

With just under two laps to travel Roberts let The Iron Duke go around the field to sit outside Blaze Away. Favourite Nathan Street took off from the rear with just over a lap to travel but he contacted the sulky of Rockandrollartist and broke up effectively losing all chance after that.

There was more drama in the final lap when Lil Happy Fella racing three back on the rails was checked and broke causing interference to a number of other runners.

The Iron Duke took over on straightening and he ran out a comfortable winner over Captain Confetti who finished well for second with Rockandrollartist a strong third after racing three wide for the final lap.

THE IRON DUKE DEC 19 REPLAY

Owners the Ferraro family were not surprised at his success.

On his work I’ve thought this horse is pretty nice but his few runs earlier on although he was winning I thought he would have been winning them easier on his work. But he’s been lightly raced and he’s a big Always B Miki he’s taken a little bit to get used to our racing. He’s just starting to work out what its all about. Even at home earlier on leading up not much could get work with him. And with a sit he hasn’t been as good. But each run at home with a sit he’s got better and better.

Deni drove him perfect tonight. He’s always had the speed at home I know Jnr drove him here one run here when he got out off the fence and he said he just lacks that point to point speed. And I said I’m not sure he does. Maybe he just hasn’t learned to let down and it was good to see that last start with that high speed there. He’s definitely got the motor to follow that good tempo he’s obviously getting up grade but hopefully he can handle that.

Before he arrived at Justin Prentice’s stables in September of this year the five year old gelding was prepared by Victorian trainer David Miles and he achieved moderate success with six wins including one at Melton where he ran 1.56.3.

Under the capable hands of Justin Prentice The Iron Duke has won five races at Gloucester Park and looks to be continually on the improve.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink