Geelong Surface A Godsend For Lake Crescent
- Wednesday, 30 June 2010 05:21
Tasmanian sprinter Lake Crescent enhanced his reputation with his second Victorian city victory in just three tries winning the $30,000 Betfair Handicap (1300m) at Geelong.
Lake Crescent ($3,$3.10) was only fairly away from the gates and Darren Gauci was forced to go to plan 'b' settling off a slow pace and trying to relax the four-year-old gelding who tended to over-race.
On the point of the turn Gauci was able to angle off heels and Lake Crescent sprinted strongly, kicking clear and holding off a fast finishing Dandy Dollar ($8,$12) to score by a head with a further three lengths to Kudeta ($5,$8,$7.50).
The change of track was heaven sent according to the gelding's trainer Gary White who was confident his charge would thrive on the synthetic surface.
"The meeting transfer was a godsend," said White.
"He hasn't got any heavy track form and we were concerned as to how he would handle the Sandown conditions.
"The synthetic surface is very similar to what we work on back in Tassie so I was confident that he would handle it well," he added.
White highlighted the importance of Victorian race experience in the development of his top level horses back in Tasmania.
"I have sent the horses over that I have earmarked for Summer Carnival races in Tassie for many years now and it has a big impact on their development," said White.
"It doesn't matter if they win, lose or draw, they are out of their comfort zone and get an opportunity to race at a truer tempo.
Although White has ambitions of racing the horse in some of his home states feature events he won't be bringing the son of King Charlemagne back home just yet.
"We will look for a similar race in the coming weeks," said White.
"The tracks may be getting a little wet for him though."
Lake Crescent has now won six of his last eight races for more than $80,000 in prizemoney.
Photo by Colin Bull
