Emotions are sure to overflow for owners Bob and Bill Laundess if the Chicka Pearson-trained Commanche Rose can make it back to back wins at Goulburn on Monday.
Based at Murrumbateman on the Yass Plains south west of Sydney, the Laundesses, who bred Commanche Rose (Agincourt-Montana Pearl), awoke on Saturday morning to tragedy.
Montana Pearl, winner of 15 races, was found in her paddock with a badly snapped foreleg. The injury was so bad the mare had to be put down.
“It’s real shame for Bob and Bill,” Pearson said.
“They were planning to send Montana Pearl to a leading sire.”
Commanche Rose, who tackles the Dubai’s Choice At Glenrae Thoroughbreds Benchmark 55 Hcp (2100m) with Pearson’s son Willie in the saddle, has not only inherited her mother’s galloping ability but aggressive nature to boot.
“John Scorse reckons Montana Pearl nearly killed him – twice,” Pearson said.
“She was a bitch of a mare but he remembered she could really gallop.
“Commanche Rose is much the same.
“She kicks walls and the stable, rip off shoes and would bite you just for fun.
“But she’s settling down. The penny is finally dropping.
“Her stable is fully rubber lined so she doesn’t hurt herself.
“She’ll still try and bite the rubber, and can go into the stable quiet as a lamb then suddenly kick the door as she’s entering. She can be a handful at times.”
Pearson, who is based at Batemans Bay, says beach work has helped settle the mare’s cantankerous demeanour.
“I don’t torment her on the track, I swim her in the middle of the day. There’s a soft side to the mare too,” Pearson said.
“Like Montana Pearl she’s taken a bit of time to strike form but her last start win was great.
“There was a time when she used to hang badly but since I’ve fitted a JR bit, you can now ride her on a thread of cotton.”
Commanche Rose was most impressive scoring a 1-1/2 length last start win over 2200 metres at the Sapphire Coast on June 12.
“She was pulling Willie out of the saddle at the 600 metres,” Pearson said.
“The last 80 metres she put three lengths on them.
“She wouldn’t have blown a candle out after the win, she’s a great winded animal.
“Goulburn should suit her. It will take a good one to beat her.”
AAP TURF
