Trainer John Leek is daring to dream that he may have a Melbourne Cup runner on the first Tuesday in November.
Fengarada is entered for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup and Leek is daring to dream with the former David Brideoake-trained galloper who is three-from-three for his new trainer.
Following 1800m wins at Sandown on July 13 and July 27, Fengarada stepped up to 2100m to claim the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Handicap on Wednesday.
Lumping 63.5kg with Aaron Lynch aboard, Fengarara ($11) showed a terrific sprint in the straight to win by 7-½ lengths from Hopkins ($6.50) with the $3.50 favourite Outback Jack a half-neck away third.
Leek purchased Fengarada for $20,000 online after the gelding had raced at Geelong for Brideoake in June and following Wednesday’s victory the gelding has returned his trainer, who also owns the gelding, a touch over $85,000 in prize money.
“You have to have a bit of luck, don’t you with horses like this that are tried,” Leek said.
“But I just love this horse.
“We’ve only worked him once since his last win here which was at Pakenham on the grass, and it was a bog. (Wife) Andrea rode him and he ploughed through the mud, kept going and he’s won here again.”
Leek said he had contemplated claiming aboard Fengarada on Wednesday to ease the 63.5kg burden on the gelding.
But a phone call from the manager of apprentice Thomas Stockdale resulted in Leek booking Lynch.
“I had to go to my old mate Aaron,” Leek said.
“He’s does everything for us, he’s a champ. It would be pretty hard without him.
“I shouldn’t say too much, but Andrea rides him in everything he does and with the big saddle, he’s probably carrying 80 kilos in work.
“I’m not saying weight stops trains, but he’s got some serious ability.
“It’s quite hard to believe. To be honest, it’s been a bit of a dream, but we’ve entered him for the 2022 Melbourne Cup, so who knows.”
