There’s an old saying in racing, “place the best horse in the worst company.” Being a city benchmark 75 winner, the John ‘Mouse’ Sinclair Cup on paper looked a very winnable race for Another Larga, but which Larga was going to show up? The son of Al Samer has his share of ability, his main battle is mental aptitude. After being headed twice by the favourite in the final 200m and fighting back to win, we are sure the Larga we wanted came to the races today.
Ben Looker took the six-year-old forward, to be ridden in his preferred role. Known for being a one paced horse, Another Larga took the lead at the 300m mark only to be headed twice by the short price favourite. Most horses would have given in, but both jockey and horse found a little more and regained the lead as they crossed the finishing post.
Another Larga handed in an improved effort in his previous outing, which saw the winner of the race, Banner Season, go on to win his following start and compete in the Group One Queensland Derby in the start after.
A satisfied trainer and strapper after the race, Damien Lane was pleased he made the three-hour drive from Wyong. “He can be a tricky horse to train. He doesn’t do more than he needs to at home but when he puts it together on race day he’s tough to get past,” Damien said.
The victory, which was his seventh, now takes Another Larga’s prize money to just above $140,000, a gallant effort for a $14,000 purchase.
Both the owners and stable are hopeful the win switches Another Larga back on, builds his confidence and puts his best hoof forward next start. Congratulations to connections, we dare say a few ‘largas’ will be had tonight.
6 ANOTHER LARGA (Blks)
5 year old bay gelding (14-8-2012) Sire: Al Samer Dam: Larga Vista (USA) (Seeking the Gold (USA)) View Pedigree Report
Breeder: Emirates Park Pty Ltd
Owners: M J Murphy, P J Walker, G F Murphy, R J Soranson, P A Williams, A Purcell, G C Haines, A G McCarthy, M N Hancock, H P Hannan, M R Fisher, Royale Ratso Syndicate (Mgr: W M Briggs) & June Rose Syndicate (Mgr: Ms A Murphy)
Colours: Black, White Lightning Bolt, Pale Blue Sleeves, Pale Blue And Black Quartered Cap