Manifest Destiny Scorches So Cal Turf

Trainer Tigerman decided that Manifest Destiny needed a break from graded competition in order to freshen up for Equinics.  The big Storm Cat colt had won only once in his last eight starts after winning seven of his previous eight.  The fact that The Grade One Mospe Cup was his lone victory brought little consolation.

 

“He just hasn’t been himself lately,” whined Tigerman prior to the race.  “I’m hoping the class drop will wake him up and he can move forward for Equinics.”

 

Wake up indeed!  Manifest Destiny stalked a hot pace set by the headstrong Lonesome River and exploded past that rival in midstretch to post a going away one and three quarter lengths victory in the track record time of 1:41 for the one mile and one-sixteenth turf event.  Favored Xtremely A Fan finished a distant third some nine lengths behind the winner.

 

The time erases Buttery Ton’s previous track mark of 1:41.3 set in 2002 and is just three-fifths of a second off the 1:40.2 world record set by Foggy A.P. at Epsom in 2001.

 

Jockey Next Bonus was just happy to get his initial 2006 win.  “I haven’t had much luck so far this year,” lamented the overweight rider.  “I just followed Lonesome River to the top of the lane and when I said go, my colt switched gears so fast I almost lost my irons!  We were moving mighty quickly when we crossed the line.”

 

The Queensland Equinics team has not yet been announced but Manifest Destiny is expected to carry their banner postward in the turf mile.  Based on this big win in Southern California, it appears that the Aussies will be well represented.