Royal Bender Gives Noonan Synthetic Winner
- Wednesday, 30 June 2010 02:46
The Darren Weir trained Royal Bender triumphed in the $30,000 Bianco Flyer Super Vobis Handicap (1000m) after a three horse war down the Geelong straight.
Royal Bender ($2.60,$2.80,$2.10) won the race out of the barriers jumping straight to the lead for apprentice Jake Noonan and the margin was telling in the end.
Noonan held the well backed favourite together in the straight after being badgered for most of the journey and his patience paid off as Royal Bender held off the strong challenge of Maratino ($21,$13) by the narrowest of margins with a half length to Ruby Royal ($11,$12).
The win keeps Royals Benders unbeaten status intact but Weir admitted he wasn't confident halfway down the straight.
"They went very fast early," said Weir
"I was a bit worried half way down the straight.
"But when he (Noonan) got into her she kicked and really knuckled down well," he added.
Weird was thrilled to get the win for long time client John Richards who bred and owns the two-year-old filly.
"John Richards has been a good supporter of ours for ages," said Weir.
"On what she has shown thus far she has a future for sure.
"I have raced a few out of the family for John, Blue Royalty won two at Caulfield and Crown Ruby a couple at Moonee Valley," he added.
Noonan was having just his first ride on the synthetic Geelong surface after being booked to ride on the infamous day when the track was closed down.
"I was meant to ride the day they found the rocks on the track," said Noonan.
"It was nice to pinch a win with my first ride on the track now though, I have a 100% strike rate."
Picture: Fiona Tomlin
