As the siren sounded for the opening bounce of the AFL Grand Final on Saturday, the gates opened at Mornington Racecourse in the Penang Turf Club Trophy over 2000m.
Daiquiri (Lope de Vega x Pale Mimosa), on the back of only moderate form in his first two runs this preparation, was representing OTI and the Busuttin & Young stable and did so with much aplomb. Taking up the lead through the early and middle stages, Daiquiri was challenged heavily upon straightening and indeed was headed by Commando Drift. Showing terrific staying qualities, Daiquiri fought bravely under the urgings of Thomas Stockdale and lifted in the run to the line to score by ¾ of a length.
The effort was made more meritorious with Stockdale losing a rein over the concluding stages, with it dangling by his side as he crossed the line.
Trent Busuttin was a relieved trainer post-race, grateful that the horse had again finally taken his impressive trackwork to the races. “He had a genuine excuse last time (boils), so it was nice to see him return to the form we thought he was capable of. It won’t be his last victory and it’s great to have him back on track”.
With no set plans for his immediate future, the stable will have the option to continue to race him through his grades, or indeed test the horse in a higher grade in a race like the Moe Cup on October 20.