Consistent sprinter I’m A Rippa dented the Stradbroke Handicap hopes of his rivals when he led throughout to win the Group Three BRC Sprint at Doomben on Saturday.
I’m A Rippa ($7.50) gave leading jockey Jeff Lloyd the third leg of a winning treble when he held off a challenge from runner-up Privlaka ($9.50) to win by a short neck with Mr Sneaky ($6) a similar margin away third.
Privlaka and Mr Sneaky were hoping a win in the BRC Sprint would boost their handicap ratings to improve their prospects of gaining a start in the Group One $1.5 million Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) at Doomben on June 9.
I’m A Rippa is entered for the Stradbroke, and shortened from $201 to $51 with TAB Fixed Odds, but trainer Tony Gollan said races like the Eye Liner Stakes at Ipswich and Glasshouse Handicap at the Sunshine Coast next month were more realistic goals.
The gelding scored on Magic Millions day at the Gold Coast in January and Gollan was confident he would prove highly competitive in the BRC Sprint.
“He gives you 100 per cent all the time and he’s come back a better horse this prep,” Gollan said.
“His run last start at the Gold Coast was good and he loves getting back here to the 1350m at Doomben.”
Gollan said although I’m A Rippa isn’t the best horse he’s trained, he is a real stable favourite.
“He’s one of the most honest horses I’ve had and I absolutely love him,” he said,
“He never lets me down. He runs a good race all the time and there’s only improvement to come.”
Lloyd was confident I’m A Rippa would withstand Privlaka’s challenge.
“Even though he did a bit of work early he was able to gain a breather between the 900m and 500m which gave him a good kick in the straight,” Lloyd said.
“When the second horse came up to him he pinned his ears back and fought him off.”
Lloyd was successful earlier in the day aboard Gracida and Winter Bride.
