Exciting galloper Neeson is heading for the Group One Epsom Handicap after another dominant victory in the $125,000 Group Three Tatt's Club Tramway Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Backed to start $3.20 favourite, Neeson travelled in third place behind race leader Recoup De Fortune and Rabbuka until Rabbuka shifted off the fence and jockey Peter Robl moved Neeson up to sit outside Recoup De Fortune on the turn. On straightening Robl asked Neeson for his best effort and the son of Mossman responded in fine style and put a couple of lengths on his rivals. Neeson's exciting career is further proof that top class racehorses can be bred from more modest parentage with the help of scientifically-based genetic planning.
Once exploding to the lead, it was up to others to toil valiantly in his wake. “He travelled sweetly behind Recoup De Fortune and Rabbuka and when I was ready to pounce he let down really well in the going,” Robl said. Cannonball (USA) and Herculian Prince tried valiantly to peg him back but it was to no avail as Robl kept him going over the final furlong to score a strong win in tough conditions. The official margin was a length and three quarters to Cannonball (Spriggs) with a half neck to Herculian Prince (Schofield) in third place. The overall time was 1.26.11 with the last 600m run in pedestrian 39.14, though it was a heavy (9) surface. “He was underdone for this today, I mean I had him ready to run 1400m but not on a heavy track,” trainer Joe Pride said. “I love this horse, he is a really good galloper and to see him come here today, not ready, and do what he did is a top effort." Pride said Neeson will race next in the Group II Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill in a fortnight as a final lead-up to the Group I Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 2. "It's been my plan to go to the Epsom at his fourth run in,'' the trainer said. ''There is the option of running him in the George Main Stakes (September 25) if I feel he needs another run to be at his peak for the Epsom. "But after his win in the Tramway, I doubt he will need that extra run. The Shannon Stakes should have him fit and ready for the Epsom.'' Neeson impressed plenty with wins in the Darby Munro and thrashing his rivals when posting a 4.5-lens win in the Hawkesbury Guineas last preparation when he looked a horse with a big future.
The Mayor of Thoroughbred Village, Dr Craig Neylon, assisted owner Mr G S Bourke plan the mating of his Don’t Forget Me mare Favorite Actress (NZ) with Mossman. "The key to breeding stakeswinners like Neeson is to utilize fundamental scientific strategies to leverage superior ancestral bloodlines, regardless of the perceived current value of the mare", said Dr Neylon of Thoroughbred Village. "As proof of concept, the result of this mating which features, amongst other highlights, a triple cross of French classic winner Klairon on the fifth remove, has now won seven of his 15 starts and earned over $480,000. His earnings has the potential to undergo significant uplift over the spring carnival." Trainer Joe Pride also believes he will be a 'Stradbroke horse' in 2011.
The Mayor of Thoroughbred Village offers the only scientifically-based pedigree planning service available in Australia. Orders for the current season are available now. Email for a quotation: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
