Consistent sprinter Steel Zip left trainer Pat Duff with a dilemma following the gelding’s victory in the Listed Queensland Day Plate at Doomben.
Steel Zip, ridden by Duff’s former apprentice Mandy Radecker, grabbed a needle-eye opening along the fence to win the 1200-metre feature by a long head over Snip `N’ Duck.
Early leader Celtic Dancer fought on tenaciously to fill the minor placing only a nose away in a blanket finish.
Duff was planning to spell Steel Zip had the three-year-old put in a bad performance at his eighth start.
“He’s been up a long time but he’s got a good record,” Duff said.
“I was going to spell him if he didn’t go well but if the fruit is ripe you’ve got to keep picking it.”
Duff will now consider sending the son of Canadian Silver into the Brisbane winter carnival and may run him in next month’s Group Three Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).
Duff paid only $13,000 for Steel Zip at the Magic Millions sales.
“I was at the sales and specked him for $13,000,” Duff said.
“When I took him home I couldn’t get many people to come in and be a partner so I kept a share in him myself.
“He’s been very honest and has never been out of the money in his eight starts.”
Duff gave only limited instructions to Radecker before legging up the former champion Brisbane apprentice before the race.
“I asked Mandy to ride him the same way Shane Scriven rode Azzaland in the previous race,” Duff said.
Trainer Noel Doyle was far from disappointed with Celtic Dancer who produced a brave effort after leading the field into the straight.
“It was a good run considering he was second-up,” Doyle said.
“I missed a barrier trial with him recently and it probably made the difference.”
Doyle will see how Celtic Dancer recovers from his run but is keen for a rematch with Steel Zip in the Gold Coast Guineas.
He has a big opinion of Celtic Dancer who finished a close fourth to Torio’s Quest in the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) on January 15.
The son of Choisir registered his fifth career win two weeks later when he scored over 1350 metres at Doomben before his latest fifth at Doomben on March 25.
AAP TURF
