A return to winning form by talented colt Peck has the Darley team excited about his future.
The three-year-old missed a start in the Queensland Derby when he was unplaced in last month’s Grand Prix Stakes in Brisbane.
That was his last chance to win enough money to get into the Classic and trainer Peter Snowden sent him home to Sydney hoping he could get a couple of wins to lift his stakes earnings with a view to the spring.
The first part of the plan worked to perfection when Josh Parr steered Peck ($6) from near last on the turn to a decisive three-quarter length victory over Escholido ($26) in Saturday’s That’s Fishy Handicap (2000m).
“He had no luck in Brisbane where we were hoping he could get into the Derby,” Sydney foreman Brad Widdup said.
“Peter brought him back trying to get a couple of races into him to get some prize money to lift his rating.
“He really needs racing and Peter has always had a good opinion of him.”
Parr said Peck still had a bit to learn but also had plenty to look forward to.
“He is doing it all on raw ability,” he said.
“He straightened up and that’s where the Maserati (engine) kicked in.”
Zachary ($5.50) finished a long neck third with favourite Tuxedo Royale ($4.40) fourth, 2-1/2 lengths from the winner after leading into the straight.
Beg brought up a double for Darley in the Chiko Handicap (1400m) when she beat Miss Marx by a short neck.
The Iglesia filly had won one of her eight starts prior to Saturday and recorded three placings.
“Peter has mixed up her training a bit and thinks the breed are better fresh,” Widdup said.
Beg had not raced since May 28 when she finished fourth to Brightest at Randwick.
AAP TURF
