3 minute read

Five-year-old Alamosa gelding Second Slip broke through for his maiden stakes victory when making a one-act affair of the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville.

The Kiwi import has proved a revelation since joining the in-form Will Clarken stable, winning five of his seven starts from his new quarters.

Previously prepared by Kevin Gray, Second Slip  won two of his 12 starts in New Zealand before attracting the attention of Melbourne-based bloodstock agent Lenny Russo, who brokered a deal that saw him join Clarken.

Ridden by Todd Pannell, Second Slip was driven through to lead and relaxed in front, coming away to win by a comfortable two-and-a-half lengths.

"He was terrific. He controlled the speed, he is still a very green horse and is so versatile," Clarken said.

"He has won over 1000m, 1100m, 1400m and he has got a beautiful cruising speed so there is no reason why he might not get the mile in the Balaklava Cup (September 15).

"We will analyse the data out of the race and work out where we go. We might set our sights a bit higher.

"The problem with a race like the Balaklava Cup is it is only worth A$100,000 whereas we can go to Melbourne and run in the same grade of race and they're worth a bit more than that."

The son of Alamosa has now won seven races from 19 starts with prizemoney earnings of A$259,356.

Second Slip is one of several successful horses purchased by Russo on Clarken's behalf that includes city winners Savatag and Handsome Return who have both comfortably eclipsed their purchase prices with multiple victories across the Tasman.

Russo has enjoyed good success sourcing tried horse from New Zealand, with other successful Kiwi acquisitions including Count da Vinci, The Willybe, Lucky for All, Open Minded, Akamon, Parliament and Banstead.