Enigmatic galloper El Vencedor capped off some consistent form and provided trainer Stephen Marsh with a winning black-type double when he bolted clear to win the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa.
El Vencedor claims the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday under Joe Doyle. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Marsh had produced promising three-year-old filly Glamour Tycoon twenty minutes earlier to career away with the Listed The O’Learys Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui before her stablemate followed suit as he left his rivals to fight out the minor placings with a home straight burst that produced a three length victory.
Rider Joe Doyle used his inside barrier to perfection to settle the son of Shocking behind pacemaker Clever Ruds before easing one off the fence rounding the home bend.
El Vencedor quickly claimed Clever Ruds as he established a winning break before coasting to the line to win comfortably from Prise De Fer, Mali Ston and Zaila, who fought out the minor placings.
Marsh was quick to pay tribute to owners Mark Freeman and David Price who also bred El Vencedor, the younger brother of their Gr.2 Brisbane Cup (2200m) winner Chocante. He is the 22nd stakes-winner for his sire Shocking and the third stakes-winner for his good producing dam Strictly Maternal.
“He really deserved that as he is such an improving horse,” Marsh said.
“I’m rapt for the owners, Mark Freeman and David Price, who are great supporters of our stable.
“He is a horse that has always shown a lot but has let himself down a bit.
“Today he was dominant and I’m very proud of him and how far he has come.
“He has always tended to go a bit hard in his races but the way the programme has worked out has been perfect as he is up to the mile now and he has some good races ahead of him.”
Doyle, who had taken out the previous race aboard Waitak, admitted the effort was very similar on this occasion.
“It was a bit like the last race really as he picked up really well and last time he was very competitive in a good race where he ran second (Listed Fulton Family Stakes, 1500m),” he said.
“We thought we would just sit in the trail and try and pick them up and he was very good to the line.
“It’s nice to win a good race for Stephen as he has been a big supporter of mine.”
A model of consistency throughout his career, El Vencedor has now won six of his 27 starts with a further 11 placings for over $263,000 in stakes earnings. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
