Now that was more like the Hot Spring Gold the Qld Rogues know and love; after all, he has delivered FOUR memorable victories for owners and been a big part of the Rogue’s success.
On paper the result doesn’t quite tell the true tale, pardon the pun.
It reads that he finished 5th behind a pretty impressive winner in the Richard and Will Freedman-trained On The Lead, but in reality, the run was a sign of plenty of good times to come.
FARCE AT THE START
This may be unfair criticism, but it seems to take an age to load horses in Brisbane and the races are often late.
That was the case again on Saturday.
After being forced to stand in the barrier for close to four minutes as attendants failed to load the favourite, ‘Hot Spring’ missed the start badly and found himself last in the Benchmark 90 over 1200m which was Race 9 at Eagle Farm.
Jockey Robbie Dolan wasn’t making excuses, but the delay didn’t help.
“We stood in the barrier for much longer than he needs because he’s always anxious in the stalls. So that didn’t help and we jumped awkwardly and found ourselves last in the field.
“In fairness to him, his best work was his last furlong and also through the line.
“What I really liked was the way he hit the line” Trainer Chris Munce
BLINKERS ON
There’s no doubt the blinkers switched on your horse.
What does that mean? Simply put the blinkers narrowed his focus and improved his concentration and racing manners.
“Once he straightened he seemed to knuckle down and have a real crack with the blinkers on,” Robbie said.
SECTIONALS WERE GOOD
While winning is always the best outcome, owners would be happy to know that Hot Spring Gold ran the second fastest final 600, 400 and 200m, only the winner On The Lead was better and only fractionally so.
“What I really liked was the way he hit the line and I think we are back on the right track with him and those blinkers will stay on.” Munce said.
“His best work was his last furlong.” Jockey Robbie Dolan
WHAT’S NEXT
Finding the right race is never easy but Chris will search the program and look for a similar grade race over 1400m at Eagle Farm or the Sunshine Coast.
“Look he did pull up well. We are on track with him, we just have to find the right race for him and I’m sure we aren’t too far off from another win.” Munce concluded.
As always the stable will keep you up to date with where Hot Spring Gold appears next.
