G.N Steeple Beckons For Juan Carlos
- Wednesday, 28 July 2010 03:35
Juan Carlos racked up his third consecutive win at his steeplechasing debut this afternoon by easily winning the $30,000 Pedro’s Pride Steeplechase (3400m) at Betfair Park Sandown Hillside on Wednesday.
Ridden patiently in the field of ten by Steven Pateman, Juan Carlos chimed in three wide approaching the home turn and took the lead at the final fence at the 300 metre mark before sprinting clear of his rivals.
Juan Carlos ($2) defeated Nuvolari ($21-$31) by 4-1/4 lengths with Our Santa ($10-$17) a further long neck away in third.
Last start winner Morsonique ($3.60-$4.20) finished fourth while Plumtastic ($4.20-$5) was the only other horse to complete the course, seven lengths away from the winner.
The rest of the field was retired out of the race with the exception of Famous Prince ($7) who fell and dislodged Aaron Lynch at the final fence.
“He chased really well and he did respect the biggest fences today, that’s why he was a bit slow away early,” Pateman said before adding, “He had a look at the first couple and then got going.”
“This is a lovely big track and you can ride them up the back straight in a way to give them a good look at the fences.
“It’s a world class jumping track and I was on the class horse of the race.”
Trainer Allison Bennett couldn’t shed too much light on Juan Carlos’ performance post-race.
The Moe-based trainer cannot bear to watch her horses compete in jumps races live.
“Apparently,” Bennett answered when told that Juan Carlos jumped well throughout.
“I think he jumped very well which is a good thing.
“He’s just a beautiful jumper, I don’t think it matters what you put in front of him he just jumps very well.
“Steven is very confident aboard him in his ability and rides him well,” he added.
Juan Carlos will next run in the $150,000 Grand National Steeple (4530m) at Sandown on August 15.
“That’s always been his Grand Final,” Bennett said.
“There’s been those big races at Warrnambool but we’ve come back from injury and Warrnambool has those dips and turns...”
The nine-year-old gelding has won 11 times from 79 starts, with a record of three wins and three placings from eight starts over jumps.
Juan Carlos has accumulated $235,376 in prizemoney.
Pictures: Colin Bull
