The aptly named MISSED THE ALARM, by RIP VAN WINKLE (who fell asleep for 20 years!), was right on time at the Gold Coast Saturday as she bagged win number three in a 12 run career.
The big mare was too classy over a leisurely run 2200m for Class 3 gallopers, surging from the rear soon after straightening to win by just under two lengths.
The win was not without its concerns for the horse’s owners. Previously unplaced in two tries over the distance, MISSED THE ALARM reared at the start and whilst not actually pulling, she did test the strength & guile of Jag Guthmann-Chester, “travelling strongly” with the very slow pace of the event. However, the experienced apprentice’s confident ride was vindicated in a few strides once the long striding four-year-old was produced 400m from home.
Trainer Steve O’Dea will likely give the Kiwi-bred a slight letup to avoid the hotter competition of Brisbane’s Summer Carnival and look to place her to advantage in the late summer and autumn.
“Having her fit and racing between the carnivals will provide the best opportunity for her to build on what’s an improving overall record,” O’Dea said.
“I was always confident she’d run a trip and now she’s a winner over 2200m, we’ll try and place her in more city staying events in the New Year.”
The O’Dea/Proven combination has had a very successful year with the bulk of our 54 wins emanating from Steve’s Eagle Farm stable.