Apprentice Adin Thompson produced a daring front-running ride on Mishani El Lobo to snare his first metropolitan double and give trainer Troy Pascoe a city breakthrough at Eagle Farm.
Mishani El Lobo ($10) led by six lengths at one stage before beating Sovereign Nation ($12) by two lengths in the Queensland Chinese Jockey Club Handicap (1200m).
The gelding appeared the only pace in the race and Pascoe devised a plan of making the rest of the field chase Chase Mishani El Lobo who had only 51kgs after Thompson’s 3kg claim.
“I must admit I didn’t think he would be that far in front. But it worked out the way we planned,” Pascoe said.
Toowoomba-based Pascoe has been training for about 10 years but has had only a few chances in the city.
“Don’t talk to me about it as I have been narrowly beaten into second on more than a few occasions but it is great to break the duck,” Pascoe said.
He got Mishani El Lobo from well-known owner-breeder Mick Crooks who mainly names his racing stock after his Mishani horse complex.
“Mishani El Lobo has had some leg problems but he has been consistent. He only got beaten three lengths by Outback Barbie in the Millions QTIS race after being in the wrong part of the track,” Pascoe said.
Thompson said he had been able to get a cheap sectional in the middle stages which allowed him to kick on the home turn.
“Really, they were never going to get him,” he said.
Thompson got his first city double having won on Uncle Frank earlier in the day.
Well-bred Impasse continued the legacy of his dam Amelia’s Dream when he won the Queensland Chinese Jockey Club Benchmark 85.
Amelia’s Dream was a short-priced favourite for the 2008 Golden Slipper after winning her first start by more than nibe lengths and the Silver Slipper by more than six lengths.
But she broke down before the Slipper and went to stud where she has got several handy horses including Impasse, who is by Golden Slipper winner Sepoy.
Impasse ($3.10) became the most successful of Amelia’s Dream’s offspring with his win.
He now has won six races and $250,000 in prize money.
Impasse was originally trained by Chris Waller but is now with Matt Dunn at Murwillumbah.
“I think he can win at open company as long as we keep him around 1400m,” Dunn said.
