Minstrel poised for historic WA Pacing Cup double

In the 112-year history of the WA Pacing Cup only eight horses have won the prestigious harness racing event two years in a row — Beau Don, Pure Steel, Village Kid, Westburn Grant, Our Sir Vancelot, The Falcon Strike, Im Themightyquinn and My Hard Copy — and now Minstrel (Rocknroll Hanover) has bright prospects of joining this list of champions.

Minstrel, the shining star among the cast of outstanding pacers under the care of champion trainers Greg and Skye Bond, showed at Gloucester Park on Friday night that advancing years have not dulled his brilliance or his superb competitive instincts with a dazzling win in the 2130m Book Into Beau Rivage For Fireworks Night Pace.

The New Zealand-bred eight-year-old was the $1.80 favourite from barrier four at his second outing after a four-month absence, and driven assertively by Deni Roberts, he coasted to a stylish two-length victory over stablemate Gee Heza Sport ($3.50), with star pacer Mister Smartee ($5.50) 5m farther back in third place.

Minstrel was involved in a fast lead time of 35.7sec. and charged to the front after 500m before relaxing with opening 400m sections of 31.4sec. and 29.7sec. and flying home with final quarters of 28.5sec. and 26.7sec. He rated a smart 1.54.9.

MINSTREL REPLAY

Minstrel raced without cover before taking the lead 600m from home and winning the Pacing Cup by a half-length from Mister Smartee last November, and now Mrs Bond is bullish about his prospects of winning the $450,000 Cup over 2536m on December 12.

“He is good enough to win another Pacing Cup,” she said. “I have an affinity with him, and I know him inside out. I know what he likes and what he needs.

“We won’t race him week-in and week-out. We know he will keep fit. He rarely does any hoppled work. Over the past few weeks after cantering in the sand behind the motor bike we take him to the beach at Kwinana where he wades in the water.”

Apart from his 2024 Pacing Cup success, Minstrel, whose wins include the 2021 Golden Nugget and the 2022 Fremantle Cup, has revealed his class by being placed in the past two Nullarbor slot races — finishing second to Catch A Wave in 2024 and third behind Mister Smartee in April this year.

“For sure, we will be looking to contesting the Nullarbor (a $1,250,000 event on April 17 next year) as long as he is happy and healthy,” said Mrs Bond. “We have had no major problems with him, and we manage his feet quite well.”

Roberts was delighted with Minstrel’s performance on Friday night, saying: “He felt awesome, and he was really relaxed which was good for him. We went four deep into the corner early. It was a quick lead, and then we were able to get a breather. To reel off a 26.7sec. final quarter was great. Everyone thinks he’s tough, but he is also quite fast.”

Roberts has formed a wonderful association with Minstrel, having driven him 25 times for eleven wins, six seconds, three thirds, one fourth and four unplaced efforts. The gelding has now raced 74 times for 28 wins, 25 placings and $1,661,773 in prizemoney.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ken Casellas, for Gloucester Park