3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes following the Benchmark 78 Australian Trainers Association Plate won by Fundraiser at Flemington on Friday.
Race Result:
1st: Fundraiser (C Williams/T Dabernig & B Hayes) - $3F
2nd: Caffrey (M Dee/P Moody) - $5.50
3rd: Quantum Mechanic (J Kah/M Price & M Kent Jnr) - $6.50
Winning Time: 1:36.32 Last 600m: 35.89
Margins: Short Neck x Short ½ Head
That was a big win from Fundraiser to make it three wins in-a-row.
— Racing.com (@Racing) January 1, 2021
Survived at vet check, made to do early work and was still too strong at the end of the race. @FlemingtonVRC @lindsayparkrace
Winning Trainer: Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes (Tom Dabernig interviewed)
"It's a good effort to win three-in-a-row. I really thought he was our best of the day. He's a horse that's still learning despite his age. He played up a little bit at the barriers. In the run he (Williams) got him into a good sport but he was quite keen early. He was always going to win, I think, but the weight probably just made him look a bit 'finding' in the finish.
"Still a good effort and thrilled for the ownership who have been very patient with this horse and it is starting to pay off."
"He's a very big horse, he's a bold horse. He had one episode where he was scratched at the gates where he reared and hit his head on the gates and had to go for a spell. Col McKenna has said there's no rush and we have plenty of time. I think that is what this horse has needed.
"We've been creeping him up in distance. I'll probably be reluctant to go further than a mile after what I saw today but he's fit and in a good time of year to keep the winning roll going."
Winning Jockey: Craig Williams
"It's remarkable. He was beaten behind The Astrologist first-up and then he's put three wins together which isn't easy to do. He's always been a headstrong horse, similar to his father, and it was nice to ride a winner for the ownership group.
"I've trialled him a lot of times but I've only had two race rides on him. He trialled well here and today he was victorious. It was really good and he was dominant today."
Riding Housay tomorrow at Caulfield: "I've been looking forward to this. Shea Eden and his team have been patient and have targeted a perfect race for $125,000 for his rating. He feels to me that he's a horse that's got group potential. Even though he's only lightly raced, he's doing it all this preparation. Really looking forward to him."
