Clear favourite Frespanol has justified his resounding favouritism at Doomben Racecourse this afternoon; completing a perfectly-timed ride to take out the Listed Spear Chief Quality (1600m) by the bob of a head.
Frespanol won the Spear Chief Quality by the bob of a head. Photo: Daniel Costello
Frespanol did not jump from the gates as well as trainer Gai Waterhouse would have liked, but the four-year-old was able to find a good running position after only 300m two wide with cover as Darci Be Good and Tornado Miss ensured the field was strung out.
Receiving a good run in transit but rounding the bend slightly wide, jockey Kerrin McEvoy was offered a clear racing line aboard the son of Choisir upon arriving at the final straight and quickly wound the four-year-old up.
Joining Tornado Miss and Darci Be Good at the fore of the field with 250m to run, Frespanol was unable to completely do away with his rivals but did muster enough of a kick to return to the winner’s circle for the first time this preparation.
A standout for Waterhouse over a late spring and summer campaign, Fespanol won each of the Darley Support BM75 (1400m) and Blacktown Workers BM80 (1500m) upon resuming; progressing to third amongst talented competition in a Rosehill minor over 1500m most notably on December 6th.
Placing a credible third behind the likes of Medcaut in TheRaces.com.au BM85 (1400m) first-up this time, Frespanol placed fourth in his next two starts over 1400m and a mile respectively and booked a ticket for the Spear Chief Quality when running an agonizingly-close second to Tales Of Grimm in the Listed Scone Cup (1600m) most recently on May 15th.
Tornado Miss was given little chance for success in the Spear Chief Quality after placing ninth in the Listed Members’ Handicap (1600m) on May 9th, but clearly relished the conditions of a firmer track when second this afternoon.
A strong and consistent performer for Sunshine Coast trainer Andrew Williamson, Darci Be Good has finished outside the first three only once over four starts this time.
