3 minute read
Well bred mare Crystal Pallazo (Warrior’s Reward-Carnelian Crystal) produced a form reversal to score an impressive maiden win in Hobart on Sunday.
In Brief
- Crystal Pallazo delivers form reversal.
- Hall lauds ride from Hong Kong apprentice.
- Mare likely to be back in action in a fortnight.
Crystal Pallazo had only one start last season for a very modest effort, so she was sent for a spell that lasted almost a year.
Her return to racing was expected to bring better results but after three starts her trainer-breeder Rhonda Hall was making moves to retire the four-year-old.
But to give her every chance to redeem herself, Hall opted to try a change of riding tactics and it delivered the desired result.
Apprentice Peter Lui was given instructions to allow the mare to race off the bit for the duration of the race and he delivered them to a tee.
"For some reason this mare was not able to run on and she had a breathing issue that we couldn't properly identify," Hall said.
"Jason Maskiell rode her two starts prior and she ran a much-improved race as he had her off the bit most of the way and she ran fifth of 12 and just over a length from the winner.
"I spoke to Peter (Lui) and asked him to watch the video of when Jason rode the mare and to allow her to race off the bit and to keep her wide and out of trouble.
"He did everything I asked of him, and we got a result."
Crystal Pallazo began well and led but Lui ensured the mare raced four-off the rail.
She kicked clear at the top of the home straight and staved off a late challenge from the favourite Zade's Stories to defeat that horse by a long neck.
The popular trainer-breeder has had a good run of late, with three of her breed, Epic Song, Star Countess, and Diamond Bay all having won races recently in the care of Longford trainer David Keating.
Hall said Crystal Pallazo should have her next start in a class one handicap in Hobart in a fortnight.
