3 minute read

Ensnare has always shown good ability but has taken time to mature.

Trainer Graeme Mcculloch  thought enough of his three-year-old gelding Ensnare to run him in the $125,000 Tasmanian Guineas over 1600m in Hobart just over two weeks ago, so a few astute punters took that as a sign to invest in him in a 1200-metre maiden in Launceston on Wednesday night.

Ensnare was backed in from $41 to start at $16 and once he found the lead from the inside gate, the gelded son of Fighting Sun gave his rivals a galloping lesson, scoring by almost two lengths from race favourite I'm Krupt with Lord Whitegate a close-up third.

McCulloch said the gelding had shown good ability from day one, but he had taken time to come to terms with racing.

"I'd been struggling to find races for him which is why I ran him in the Tasmanian Guineas because it paid down to eighth, so he was guaranteed prizemoney," McCulloch said.

Ensnare finished last of eight and beaten over 17 lengths.

"I thought dropping back to 1200m would be ideal for him and even though I reckon he'll get 1400m, we will concentrate on races up to 1200m for the time being."

Ensnare was well handled by apprentice jockey Tayah Stalker who fired the gelding from the inside barrier and despite being taken on mid-race she stayed cool and allowed her mount to remain in a good rhythm.

When Stalker called on Ensnare to answer the challengers in the home straight, he knuckled down to his task and went on to win comfortably.

McCulloch said there are no big plans for Ensnare.

"We'll find a winnable class one or low rating race for him, but it will be baby steps as we take him through his grades."