Deploy has gone from talented sprinter to track record holder at Randwick with his victory in the Group Three Show County Quality.
The Gerald Ryan-trained Deploy ($4.20) clocked 1:08.06 for the 1200 metres to take .09s off That’s A Good Idea’s previous mark set in 2013.
Saturday’s surface was rated good, the first time it has been that firm since February 6.
His form was no surprise to trainer Gerald Ryan but it was perhaps aided by $3.80 favourite Omei Sword missing the start and eventually running fifth, one place behind That’s A Good Idea.
But the honours were all with Deploy who fought off The Virginian ($18) to win by a half neck.
“It’s unbelievable,” Ryan said.
“They are running quick times here today. He’ll go into the book as holding the track record.”
“He’s not the easiest horse to ride because he always hits a flat spot in his races.
“Brenton (Avdulla) knows him and rode him well.”
Deploy is raced by his breeder John Cornish who sent his stakes-winning mare Crimson Reign to Fastnet Rock.
Deploy’s other wins include the Group Two Moreton Cup at Doomben on June 24.
Kerrin McEvoy said Omei Sword, who was having her first start since suffering a bleeding attack in the autumn, had things against her after her early mishap.
“She stumbled out of the barrier and I was just looking at where I was going to land,” he told stewards.
“It was almost like she had the wind out of her sails. She ran fine but it was hard to make ground.
“If she runs on another half-length more you’re happy. She might want the ground a little bit softer as well. The start and the quick ground went against her.”
