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Pecuniary Interest was again not the best away at Randwick, but has backed up his trainer’s confidence with another impressive display.
Again it was the finish and not the start that proved to be the difference for Pecuniary Interest ($6.50) at Royal Randwick on Sunday.
It was only two weeks ago that the John Sargent-trained gelding bombed the start by six lengths in a Randwick Midway over the mile, only to salute in impressive fashion. At the time Sargent signalled his intentions to look ahead two weeks and target the 2000m version of the event, even stating 'it'll be a nice race, it should suit him better.'
Fast forward 14 days and the Randwick-based conditioner is looking like Nostradamus. His Excelebration gelding made it back-to-back victories by three quarters of a length over Apache Belle ($15) with Legend Has It ($11) a further one and half lengths back in third.
After another fairly ordinary beginning Pecuniary Interest ran into a few dead-ends down the famous Randwick straight, but was eventually procured into clear running by champion jockey Hugh Bowman and was way too strong on the line.
Pecuniary Interest has grown a leg since joining the Sargent camp, with three wins and a placing from just five outings. Sargent wasn't on course this time around, but stable representative Campbell Ashby explained they had done a few things to try to even out his quirky habits.
"Last start he probably got a bigger write-up for missing the kick than he did win," Ashby said.
"But he's had the barrier blanket on middle of last week for a jump out.
"He only just fairly got away with them today but Hughie (Bowman) rode him patient and I think that's the way to ride him.
"He got into a bit of trouble in the straight and I think there's a fair bit of credit to that win."
As to what awaits the promising middle distance commodity, Ashby could see even further improvement as the five-year-old gets into his work.
"The confidence is really high with him," Ashby said.
"He's never left an oat since he's returned, and he looks a more maturing horse. I'm sure there's plenty of fun to be had with him."
