The capabilities of New Zealand apprentice Michael Dee have again been put on show with Red Bomber overcoming a poor start to land his third consecutive win at Caulfield.
Pre-race plans were for Red Bomber to be ridden just off the speed in the Carlton Draught Handicap (1600m) but those tactics went out the window when the gelding missed the start.
Red Bomber
Dee did not panic, allowing the four-year-old to find a comfortable rhythm before moving him into the race from the 600m mark.
Sustaining a long run, Red Bomber ($3.90) raced clear late scoring a 1-1/2 length victory over favourite Charmed Harmony ($3.20) with Minnie Downs ($18) another length third.
“The pre-race plan was to go forward but we had to go to plan B right from barrier rise as he half reared as the gates opened,” Dee said.
“I couldn’t panic and I just had to wait until something took me into the race and I was surprised with how long he sustained the run.
“It was was a very tough win.”
Dee, who arrived in Australia at the start of the year, says Red Bomber is the best horse he has ridden since his move and he thinks he can measure up to Group company.
Trainer Mick Price says Dee is an asset to the Victorian riding ranks as he can ride comfortably at 51kg and is unflustered when pre-race plans don’t work out.
He said Red Bomber would be given his chance at better company when he tackles the upcoming Winter Plate Series which culminates in the Listed final over 1600m at Flemington in July.
Price would then like to give the gelding a break before tackling better handicap races during the spring with the Group One Toorak Handicap a possibility.
“He’s lightly raced and he’s entitled to have a go at a better race,” Price said.
“I did dwell for a little bit on whether he should go to Brisbane, but (owner) Mrs Hoare likes to have her horses here as it gives her a big thrill.
“We can go on to the Winter Plate, have a break and have a nice horse for the spring.”
