Hugh Bowman brought the smart Newcastle galloper CRISTAL BREEZE (Gale Force Ten – Gale Force Ten) home with a perfectly timed run to win the $500k Provincial Championship Final over 1400m.
It had to be a perfect finish because James Mcdonald had charged his mount PANDANO (Dundeel – Milanesa) away from the field at the ledger and it looked a winning move.
Australian Bloodstock, who must have billions of dollars in the bank as their horses just keep winning everything, own Cristal Breeze after buying him two years ago from Europe.
Kris Lees trains this bloke who had run 2nd to Pandano in the Championship heat leading into this.
“It’s pretty rare when you set a plan back in the winter with a race in mind, and it works out,” said Lees.
“And that’s exactly what we did with this guy. He really is getting better with racing.”
It was a great ride by Bowman.
He said, “This horse had been prepped for the race, and that gave Kris the time to be able to prepare him to peak on the day.
“And that’s what happened. I was worried when the barriers came out but he overcame that and we got a good run.
“With the nice genuine pace, which is what we hoped for, he finished really well.”
Back in 3rd spot home was LIVEINTHEFASTLANE (Fastnet Rock – Livealifeoflove) got home hard for 3rd.
In the heat, at Newcastle back in February and carrying the same weight, Cristal Breeze was ridden on pace and just couldn’t hold out Pandano when running 2nd.
This time, being fitter, ridden colder and getting 1.5kg, he came with a wet sail to narrowly turn the tables.
They did get close together as they drew near the line, but the momentum was with the deserved winner who has now won $582,000 in prize money.
