Joe Pride’s ability to rejuvenate tried horses was on display again at Warwick Farm when News Alert prevailed narrowly to win Saturday’s Listed Razor Sharp Handicap.
But it’s just as well Pride can train because judging close finishes is not his forte.
“I’m a terrible judge of a photo-finish,” Pride said.
“I didn’t think we’d won.”
News Alert ($9) looked beaten 50 metres out but dug deep to nose out Rarefied ($3.30 fav) on the post and win the 1200-metre feature.
Previously with Con Karakatsanis, who prepared him for four stakes wins, the seven-year-old’s form had tapered off slightly over the past 12 months.
His owners opted to send him to Pride for a change of scenery and it appears to have done the job.
Pride was thrilled to get the result on the board on Saturday after News Alert finished fifth at his first start for him at Canterbury last month.
“He wasn’t really suited first-up on the heavy track,” Pride said.
“I think he handles it but maybe not first-up.
“He’s bounced back today.”
Hugh Bowman settled News Alert midfield but within striking distance of the leaders.
He brought him down the outside when the field straightened for home and got everything out of him in a driving finishing.
It was the first leg of a feature race double for Bowman who took out the Villiers Stakes aboard Monton 40 minutes later.
Pride said News Alert was likely to be aimed at some of the second and third tier sprint races over the autumn carnival.
“I don’t think he’s lost anything this horse,” Pride said.
“In the autumn, we can place him to effect in a couple of sprint races.
“He’s shown in the past he’s not a Group One horse but he is a good, solid sprinter.”
News Alert was one of three Razor Sharp runners for Pride with Trilione finishing a game sixth and Recorrido running last after she lost her chance when she went down on her nose at the start.
AAP TURF
