Fernando Bale’s 16-race winning streak has come to an end, but will still start a short-priced favourite in the $145,000 Group 1 Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic after drawing box two in next Saturday night’s final.
The white and brindle champion will be looking to push his prizemoney to a tick over $790,000 if successful, moving him to second on Australia’s all-time prizemoney earners list.
The four-time Group 1 winner bumped with early leader Secret Spell on the first corner before being held in the final stages to run second behind the classy bitch, who took out the last semi final in 30.05.
The daughter of Bartrim Bale and Wicked Witch will start from box six the final and will aim to take out her second Group victory after winning the Cranbourne Puppy Classic early in her career.
Once again, the most impressive run of the night came from the brilliant Dyna Double One, who broke the 29.60 barrier at The Meadows for the sixth time in his career, strolling to a four-length, 29.59 victory.
The son of Barcia Bale and Crystin Bale will be aiming to win his first Group 1, and will also be looking to beat Fernando Bale for the first time from four previous attempts.
Dyna Double One’s job has been made harder after drawing box five, although the Andrea Dailly-trained star has won four from six when wearing the yellow rug. He is one of three runners for the Dailly kennel, who will be looking to continue what has been an amazing 2015.
Australian Cup finalist Emrys returned to his best with a brilliant come-from-behind 29.93 victory, overpowering early leader Hogganaught to make yet another Group 1 final at The Meadows. The son of Magic Sprite and Prancing Uno will have to overcome box eight in next week’s final.
Black Illusion took out the third semi final of the Maturity Classic, using box one perfectly to score in 30.10, holding out a fast-finishing Ivy Bale. Trained by Angela Langton, the son of Collide and My Secret Shiraz will start from box four in his first Group final.
Next week’s winner will take home a cool $100,000, joining an honour roll that already includes the likes of New Tears, Brett Lee and last year’s winner Mepunga Hayley.
The night also saw Lady Toy and Dzeko take out the two heats of the Destini Fireball Stayers feature, with next week’s final worth $20,000 to the winner.
$145,000 Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic (525 metres, Group 1)
1. Margins (Brooke Ennis)
2. Fernando Bale (Andrea Dailly)
3. Ivy Bale (Andrea Dailly)
4. Black Illusion (Angela Langton)
5. Dyna Double One (Andrea Dailly)
6. Secret Spell (Kelly Bravo)
7. Hogganaught (Darren Pattinson)
8. Emrys (Mario Briganti)
Res:
9. Evers Bale (Deborah Coleman)
10. Repayments (Brooke Ennis)
Dyna Double One wins in 29.59.
Emrys scores in 29.93
Black Illusion takes out semi three in 30.10
Secret Spell defeats Fernando Bale
