Legal Esprit may have a set of wonky front legs, but he’s making the most of the frame he’s been given after making it five wins in six starts at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The Donald ‘Ducky’ Baker trained gelding is a son of Bel Esprit and was bred by prominent owner Bill Andrews, who races the three-year-old in partnership.
He won his first two starts at Warwick and the Gold Coast before running third at his first attempt in town as a two-year-old before being spelled.
This time around he won twice at Toowoomba before stepping up to the Eagle Farm assignment. He’s now earned more than $160,000 in his six starts and will soon be given a shot at better races.
“You wouldn’t want to look at his front legs and he’s still doing a bit wrong, but he’s getting better all the time,” Baker said.
“You don’t see too many do that (win five of six). I think we might give him a break now and bring him back for the summer.”
Legal Esprit’s only defeat came at the hands of Glorious Ruby, who resumed in the opening event on the card but found one better in the consistent Princess Bojack.
Trainer Michael Nolan has kept Princess Bojack at a super consistent level this entire campaign and after a typically brave placing behind Alpine Edge at her previous start, appreciated dropping back to the 1000m to give her rivals the slip under Jim Byrne.
Glorious Ruby settled further back than expected, but was within striking distance at the 300m point and failed to make any dent in the margin Princess Bojack had over her.
Apprentice Leah Kilner said she thought Glorious Ruby would win halfway up the running, but her run just “plateaued out” and she may be better suited over further this time in.
Secret Tales, who was backed to win the race, was never a factor, being outsprinted when heads turned for home before working home fairly.
Jockey Steph Thornton said Secret Tales found the 1000m too sharp and would be more effective over further next time out.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au