He hasn’t quite figured out how to jump on terms with them, but the John Sargent-trained Pecuniary Interest ($20) certainly knows how to finish off his races.
After missing the kick by upwards of six lengths in the Midway Handicap over the mile at Royal Randwick, the Excelebration gelding tacked onto the field before stealing some inside runs around the turn. His final 200m was his strongest as he shot through the middle to win by three quarters of a length over Majella ($16), with Remus ($4.80) a further two and a half lengths back in third.
Punters would have been entitled to rip up their tickets after the barriers opened, but the five-year-old showed plenty of heart to eventually round them up and win going away.
After doing the same thing in a recent trial, Sargent wasn’t on best terms with his galloper at gate rise.
“As soon as he jumped I said ‘we’ll probably have to get the barrier blanket out at the trials again’,” Sargent said.
“He’s got some quirky habits, but he’s got ability.
“He’s come in this time a lot stronger and a lot of his quirks have been ironed out, apart from his starts.”
Jockey Robbie Dolan did his utmost to switch his charger on at the barriers, but his mount was having none of it.
“I was really trying my best to rev him up at the gates but he was just standing there like a pony. I thought we were going to be a non-runner for a minute,” Dolan said.
“He’s nearly more laidback than me. When the gates opened I thought we were just going to stand there and do a Chautauqua.”
Dolan was full of praise for Sargent and believes there’s more in store.
“Great training performance by Sarg and the team. He’s just going to get better as he gets over further,” Dolan said.
That sentiment was echoed by Sargent who has plans for his stayer in two weeks’ time.
“He’ll come here to the Midway on Boxing Day,” Sargent said.
“It’ll be a nice race, it’s 2000m, it should suit him better.
“I think he’s won over 2400m but he’s a through the grades type horse. I don’t think he’ll get to the top level but he’ll make his way in races like this.”