Just nine days after celebrating his biggest triumph in racing with Reginald’s victory in the Port Hedland Cup (2200m), trainer Tim Pike was back in the winner’s circle-this time with his marvel galloper Border Control, who continued his remarkable winning streak by claiming the $40,000 Tabtouch Broome Sprint (1300m).
Border Control had already etched his name into Pilbara racing folklore with five consecutive wins at Port Hedland, culminating with victory in the Richardson Sprint (1200m) and after doing all his previous racing in Sydney before joining Pike’s stable, his move west has proven a masterstroke.
Despite a sluggish start, where he was last out of the gates, Border Control, who started favourite ($3.20), showed his class and resilience, storming home to be first past the post, 1 ½ lengths clear of Make Your Point.
Border Control’s victory was set up much to the delight of punters by a cool and composed ride from Natasha Faithfull, last season’s Australian Provincial Champion Jockey.
After overcoming a slow getaway from barrier two, Border Control mustered speed quickly to box-seat in fifth position and when the leader rolled away from the rail at the top of the straight, Faithfull seized her opportunity, driving the eight-year-old through along the fence.
Pike admitted there were a few anxious moments in the run, but relied on the tactical nous of Faithfull and the winning spirit of Border Control to take over.
“He’s an absolute machine,” Pike said.
“He’s beautiful, a perfect horse.
“I was a little bit worried at the corner, but as soon as he picked up the bit away he went.”
Pike was full of praise for Faithfull’s ride.
“Thanks Tash for the ride,” Pike said.
“It was ten out of ten.”
After dominating the North West circuit, Pike now faces the pleasant problem of mapping out future plans for his son of Brazen Beau.
“I’ll put him out for a little bit and then see what’s on,” Pike said.
“I wouldn’t mind going to Albany for a few races.
“I’ll try and follow what Roy (Rogers) did with Espirito last year.”
Espirito, trained by Rogers, contested the Fitzpatrick Plate (1230m) in Albany and the Mount Barker Sprint (1300m) after winning the Broome Sprint last year.
Faithfull continues her outstanding form in the saddle and still remains on a high after being crowned Australia’s Leading Provincial Rider with 115 winners last season.
While others were edgy after Border Control bombed the start, the popular hoop revealed she was confident of victory from a fair way out.
“I was travelling pretty strongly at the 600m,” Faithfull said.
“I thought I had the upper hand.
“The leader rolled off and we got a nice run along the fence.”
The good times in Broome might not be over for Pike.
Reginald is likely to tackle the Broome Cup on Saturday.
Pike could be poised to end the end the carnival on a brilliant high.
