ART CADEAU (Artie Schiller-Jewelled Gate) is as honest as the day is long and he proved that when Tommy Berry rode him so vigorously over the final 100m to just win the $150k Country Championship heat at Goulburn this afternoon.
He beat LEG WORK (Shamus Award-Tikal), a sparring partner who was desperately unlucky, by a head in a thrilling finish.
Leg Work’s connections will feel they can turn the tables when the big race is on in a few weeks at Randwick.
He was 2nd up from a spell, drew the outside gate, was stone motherless coming to the bend in the big field, was pulled 16 wide at the turned, stumbled then unleashed a devastating performance to just miss.
But, gee you can’t deny this winner either.
He has now won four races and $200,000 in prize money. He also has run six x 2nd placings all from his 10 starts.
The horse is just a bush phenomenon and trainer Terry Robinson heads to Randwick for the Final with a really live hope.
As does trainer Danny Williams with Leg Work.
In third spot, and therefore now a reserve for the big race was ROTHENBURG (Rothesay-Swiss Alps).
Proven Class was scratched at the barrier and was a bitter pill for fresh new trainer James Ponsonby to swallow.
“He just travelled beautifully. He is so gutsy and tries his heart out,” said Berry.
The Final will be run at Randwick and Art Cadeau has already won at Randwick.
$4.50 Art Cadeau $13 before Goulburn qualifier
$8 Leg Work $34 before Goulburn qualifier
Tara Jasmine qualified at Coffs Harbour on February 13
$15 Baileys qualified at Coffs Harbour on February 13
$17 Fender
$21 Rotherburg $34 before Goulburn qualifier
$26 Another One
Healing Hands
Jailbreak
Midsummer Rain
Mnementh
New King
Oamanikka
Pure Fuego
Spiranac
$34+ Others Quoted
