Carabao makes a strong statement

Smart juvenile Carabao has stamped himself as a live player in upcoming two-year-old feature races by taking out the Rockingham Ram 2YO Pace (2185m) at Pinjarra this afternoon.

Carabao showed he had plenty of ability in his last start second at Bunbury last Saturday and was sent out a well-supported $1.28 favourite today.

The American Ideal gelding led comfortably from barrier one and clocked a modest lead time and first half in 44.4 and 63.2 respectively.

When driver Kim Prentice asked the Bryan Cousins-trained pacer for an effort he responded terrifically to score by 13.8m to Arma Einstein and Otis and ran home in 56.8 in doing so.

Prentice said Carabao made a strong statement this afternoon and was bullish he could measure up to the best two-year-olds in the state.

“He ran home in 27.1 and felt really good in doing it,” Prentice told RWWA Harness.

“The more racing he’s doing the better he’s getting.

“It’s the first time we’ve used him out of the gate and it’s good to know he can go quick as well.

“He’s been a late nomination for Friday night and it looks like three or four of the best two-year-olds are in that too.

“Bryan didn’t want him to have a fortnight off before the Pearl Classic heats, so by running Friday night it will be a week and a half into the heats.”

Carabao is also expected to tackle the Westbred colts and geldings Classic and Golden Slipper in June and July respectively.

Meanwhile, 11-year-old Disco Spirit caused a major boilover in the Murray Veterinary Services Pace (2631m).

The gelding scored his 11th win at his 151st start and upstaged fancied pair Divinia Bellezza and Kiwi Bloke.

Elsewhere, Alta Cinderella made it two wins in a row to start her career as she led home a Gary Hall Snr-trained quinella in the Medic Aid Pace (1684m) for the fillies and mares.

Alta Cinderella scored by 5.5m to stablemate Princess Christiano.

Tim Walker