The win of Millicent based Showgazer in the Sportsman
Handicap (2250m) at Cheltenham made the five-hour journey to town all worthwhile.
With owner-trainer Dick Coote engaged in Year of the
Outback celebrations at Marree, saddling duties were entrusted to Val Clark and
daughter-in-law Janice, who part owns the gelding along with Coote, her husband Shane and
Ernie Altschwager.
A previous winner at the track and distance, Showgazer was
‘cherry ripe’ for yesterday’s assignment after his good second behind Sly
Rambler in the Mount Gambier Gold Cup last Friday.
Janice Clark, who was back aboard Showgazer in his work
last week after recovering from injuries sustained in a fall, reported that the horse had
done well since his cup run and had been keen all week. She also pointed out that the
horse had always raced well when backed up week to week.
Joe Bowditch, who rode Showgazer at Mount Gambier was
impressed with his effort that day and retained the mount at Cheltenham. Slowly away,
Showgazer settled near the rear and travelled for most of the 2250m journey on the fence.
Knowing his preference for galloping room, connections may have been concerned at the top
of the straight with Showgazer tucked away on the inside of Inflewinzer and behind Frenzel
Rhomb and race favourite Our Needles (NZ).
Bowditch was able to peel off the fence in the straight,
however, and appreciating more galloping room Showgazer ran on soundly, passing through on
the inside of Our Needles (NZ) and going on to score by a length. Another south-easterner
Rhydderch filled third place, some three and a half lengths astern. Showgazer recorded the
time of 2:23:59 on the dead surface, returning a dividend of $5.60 for the win and $1.70
the place.
An honest, resilient galloper, Showgazer, or
"Ernie" as he is affectionately known, was cheered home by connections, with
yells of "Go Ernie" clearly audible from the grandstand. The win was a relief
for connections as it was Showgazer’s first since returning from a tendon injury. His
work had been hampered this preparation by the injury to Clark, with Dick Coote riding the
horse himself and relying largely on racing to bring the horse to his top.
The win boosted Showgazer’s earnings to $97,250 with
nine wins, seven seconds and six thirds from forty-four starts. No doubt the win also made
the trip home pass just that little bit quicker!
PIC - Jenny
Barnes. |
