Sydney race-caller Darren Flindell often mentions the letters JLW in his calls – jump, lead, win, and that’s exactly what Felix Majestic ($14) has done for 3kg claiming apprentice Ms Molly Bourke in the Precise Air Handicap over 1400m at Royal Randwick.
The Smart Missile gelding gave no others a chance after being sooled to the front and leading by upwards of four and five lengths during the middle stages, before holding on by a length and a quarter over race favourite Louisville ($3.80 wagering Fav).
The ever-consistent Plundering ($4.20) was a further long neck back in third place picking up another cheque for connections.
Trainer Gary Nickson explained that the tearaway tactics were always the plan.
“If he’s allowed to lead and stride along and put a gap in them he’s hard to run down,” Nickson said.
“Even when they get to him he’s a real bulldog, he’ll fight right to the line.
“I said to Molly be aggressive out of the gates, put a gap on. There’s a bit of speed there but if they want to take him on just keep pushing ahead.
“When he gets back in the field he’s not real comfortable amongst horses.”
The victory brought up the first Randwick Saturday winner for Bourke whose 3kg claim is starting to attract the attention of metropolitan trainers.
“I love riding horses like that and when he (Nickson) said ‘I don’t care what you do you’re getting to that lead’ and I said ‘OK, let’s do it!,” Bourke enthused.
“I was a bit worried I was going a bit hard but he was so happy, he just cruises through his gears and kicks off that as well.
“That’s why I never thought to bring him back any more, I didn’t want to fight him and he’s a happy horse so just let him travel off his own steam.
“That’s my first Saturday winner. I’ve had a few Kenso (midweek) wins. It feels awesome, I’m so glad to finally start getting a few opportunities and getting a roll on.”
