GOSFORD trainer Jake Hull had expected to play a prominent role in tomorrow’s Listed Gosford Guineas (1200m) at Wyong.
Unfortunately his promising three-year-old Ferinzo is on the sidelines and won’t be there for the $200,000 feature.
However, there was better news at Coffs Harbour today when Hull landed the Maiden Plate (1205m) with a lightly-raced three-year-old who also looks to have a bright future.
Red Spector (Matthew McGuren), well supported to start a $3.30 second favorite, surged clear over the closing stages to score easily at only his second start and first since June.
His victory carried extra significance as it marked the first win for his sire Red Henno, a Redoute’s Choice stallion who won five of his 14 starts before injury curtailed his racing career.
En route home this evening, Hull explained that Ferinzo, who has also raced only twice and trounced his rivals in the Springboard To Fame 2YO Plate (1175m) at Grafton’s July carnival, has had to be given a break.
“He had a setback and needs time out,” Hull said.
“I was confident he would run well in both the
Gosford Guineas and Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at the Gold Coast next month.
“It’s disappointing of course, but he’ll be back.
“As for Red Spector, I was pretty confident we could win first-up with him.
“I’ll see how he pulls up after this win, and that will determine our immediate plans.
“He could go to another country race or even one at the provincials, or perhaps have a little let-up.
“I am particularly pleased for my boss John O’Connor, who owns Red Henno.
“He serves John’s mares at Carrington Park in the Southern Highlands, and comes back to Feale Park on the Central Coastafter the stud season.
“Red Henno is a beautifully-bred horse who showed a lot of ability, and John would be thrilled to see him get off the mark with one of his progeny.”
Hull took three horses to Coffs Harbour on Sunday, with a view that the trip away and the racing would at least help two of his younger ones mature.
He was unlucky not to have clinched a double when another of Red Henno’s sons Rebelious Red ($7) ran second in the Maiden Handicap (805m).
“He drew near the outside, and I feel sure he would have won from a decent alley,” Hull said.
Hull’s other Coffs Harbour representative Olivia’s Spirit ($4.40), a Rubick five-year-old, ran fifth in the Benchmark 82 Handicap (1205m).
Story John Curtis, December 30, 2024
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