Ideal Beach cruises to $100,000 Pearl Final win

A favourable barrier draw proved to be the main factor in Ideal Beach’s (American Ideal) in his all the way harness racing win in the Group 2 $100,000 Hoist Torque Australia two year old colts and geldings Final at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

In his Heat, Ideal Beach was forced to work hard and found El Mystro who led all way too strong.

But in the Final, Ideal Beach drew two while El Mystro was on the inside of the second row which swung punters firmly towards Ideal Beach.

And Gary Hall Jnr took every advantage by allowing Ideal Beach to find the front while El Mystro’s driver Robbie Williams was intent in extricating his colt off the rails early in the event.

Hall held off a short challenge by Wheelsofortune while King Of Capel took the trail behind the leader.

IDEAL BEACH AUG 15 REPLAY

As the field went into the back straight for the second last time Williams took off on El Mystro and he worked around the field but in the process Hall upped the tempo on Ideal Beach and he made sure that El Mystro had to work before settling outside the leader. Wheelsofortune was then able to secure a one out and one back trail.

While El Mystro continued to plug away he never looked likely to rein in Ideal Beach and the latter was able to run his last two quarters in 28 seconds. El Mystro lost no admirers finishing seven metres away in second placing while Wheelsofortune battled on for third five metres away.

Gary Hall Jnr was suitably impressed after the event.

“He’s a pretty special horse this one. I think he’s got a pretty big motor and he could have a pretty bright future”.

Trained by Justin Prentice for a large number of owners,  Ideal Beach was a $130,000 purchase at the 2024 Perth APG Sales. Whilst it was an expensive purchase Ideal Beach has now repaid his purchase price after just four starts.

Ideal Beach is sure to figure prominently in the forthcoming classics but he is sure to get spirited opposition from El Mystro who is sure to continue improvement.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink