Hardened sprinter River Lad has helped deliver Natalie McCall her first Group One success with a hard fought victory in Queensland's feature event, the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
Damien Oliver Photo by Racing and Sports
One of seven last start winner's engaged in the event the rising seven-year-old was given little chance in the lead up however a textbook on-speed ride from Damien Oliver saw him salute in the final few bounds.
"I was really happy with the horse, I couldn't have been happier with him, the alley was like a dagger to my heart, before the barrier draw I gave him a good hope," McCall said.
"I know over here he is a much better horse than what he is at Doomben and 1400m has always been his pet distance."
Having been marginally outsprinted at the 200m, Teegan Harrison looked to have pinched the race aboard Temple Of Boom before River Lad dug in deep to wear him down in the shadows of the post.
"He's so tough, I always loved this race as a kid its always been my favourite race I strapped the winner of it for John Hawkes when Crawl won, so it's always been super special to me," McCall said.
"To now win this race I'm struggling for words."
Successful in bringing up Damien Oliver's first Stradbroke Handicap, he was confident River Lad was always a better chance than what the market led people to believe.
"He's a tough Queenslander and what a great thrill to win Queensland's biggest race," Oliver said.
"To be honest I hadn't heard much about him, but when I looked back through his form, especially his second placing to Appearance in the Autumn [Expressway Stakes], just on that run alone I gave him a strong chance."
Although drawn wide Oliver said it worked out to be a bit of a blessing in the end.
"I don't mind speed horses from out wide because you not forced to kick up and hold your position from the inside, you can just take your time coming over," Oliver said.
Well backed filly Srikandi worked home solidly to finish third in a race which was dominated by the on-speed runners.
Damien Oliver Photo by Racing and Sports
One of seven last start winner's engaged in the event the rising seven-year-old was given little chance in the lead up however a textbook on-speed ride from Damien Oliver saw him salute in the final few bounds.
"I was really happy with the horse, I couldn't have been happier with him, the alley was like a dagger to my heart, before the barrier draw I gave him a good hope," McCall said.
"I know over here he is a much better horse than what he is at Doomben and 1400m has always been his pet distance."
Having been marginally outsprinted at the 200m, Teegan Harrison looked to have pinched the race aboard Temple Of Boom before River Lad dug in deep to wear him down in the shadows of the post.
"He's so tough, I always loved this race as a kid its always been my favourite race I strapped the winner of it for John Hawkes when Crawl won, so it's always been super special to me," McCall said.
"To now win this race I'm struggling for words."
Successful in bringing up Damien Oliver's first Stradbroke Handicap, he was confident River Lad was always a better chance than what the market led people to believe.
"He's a tough Queenslander and what a great thrill to win Queensland's biggest race," Oliver said.
"To be honest I hadn't heard much about him, but when I looked back through his form, especially his second placing to Appearance in the Autumn [Expressway Stakes], just on that run alone I gave him a strong chance."
Although drawn wide Oliver said it worked out to be a bit of a blessing in the end.
"I don't mind speed horses from out wide because you not forced to kick up and hold your position from the inside, you can just take your time coming over," Oliver said.
Well backed filly Srikandi worked home solidly to finish third in a race which was dominated by the on-speed runners.