Havana Rey turned around an inglorious last-start defeat to win at Warwick Farm on Saturday, redeeming himself in the eyes of his trainer but perhaps not punters.
The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding finished almost 20 lengths from the winner at Warwick Farm on Australia Day as the odds-on favourite.
Baker believed he over-raced with blinkers on and took them off for Saturday’s Warwick Farm Handicap (1600m) after the four-year-old competed in an enforced barrier trial without them earlier this week.
Punters shied away, sending him out at $8 but he raced generously for Glyn Schofield just behind the speed and bounded to the front in the straight.
Single ($11) made an eye-catching late run to finish 1-1/2 lengths second with another length to Fast Clip ($7.50) who set the pace for most of the race.
“It’s a funny game this racing,” Baker said.
“There’s lots of highs and lows.
“I was so disappointed last time but we took the blinkers off and put a tongue tie on.
“He has won with blinkers before which is why I was surprised with how badly he went.
“It’s nice to see him back.”
Describing it as one of the biggest form turnarounds seen in recent times, chief steward Ray Murrihy told Baker he expected Havana Rey to hold his form.
