Conners' Big Boy Out For Hat-trick
- Thursday, 01 July 2010 04:59
At 16.2 hands and 580 kilograms, imposing two-year-old Pimpala Secret is the giant among trainer Marc Conners' stable of youngsters.
But for such a big juvenile, Pimpala Secret has shown he is an athlete with two wins from as many races to start his career.
The Monashee Mountain gelding will be out to extend his unbeaten run in theraces.com.au Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
"He's a big boy - he would have to be the biggest (two-year-old) we've had in either of our stables, mine or Dad's (trainer Clarry Conners)," Conners said.
"I don't know if his size necessarily helps him, but for such a big horse he's quick on his feet. He's big but he's quite athletic."
His size could prove an asset on Saturday as he is topweight with 58kg although Sydney's leading apprentice Tommy Berry will continue his association with the gelding and take 1.5kg off the impost.
Conners had originally planned to send Pimpala Secret to Queensland this weekend to race at Caloundra in the Bruce McLachlan Classic but decided to keep him in Sydney.
The race in Queensland, which carries a QTIS bonus, would have been worth $53,000 first prizemoney if Pimpala Secret had gone up and won, while Saturday's Rosehill race carries first prizemoney of $42,000.
"I thought it was just as good for him to stay here, he doesn't have to travel then," Conners said.
Pimpala Secret jumped from barrier seven in a field of eight at Randwick on June 12 when he crossed to the lead and was never headed in winning an 1100m 2YO Handicap by half a length over Forward Love.
Both Conners and Berry believe the gelding has even more to offer.
"He's a big baby still," Conners said.
"Even though he's a big horse, he's not mature in the head yet. He only does what he has to do, he relaxes well and there's no reason he won't get further in time."
Conners is hoping two-year-olds such as Pimpala Secret and last weekend's Randwick winner Alittlebitofmonica can make the transition to stakes company in the coming season as three-year-olds.
"That's the idea," Conners said.
"They weren't up to the better ones early on but they're starting to hit their straps and it's all about getting their prizemoney up to get into some of those better races later on."
Alittlebitofmonica formed part of a winning double for the in-form Conners stable last Saturday.
