In form trainer Mark Minervini continued his recent run of success at Gawler today when Womby Princess blitzed her rivals in the Coopers Pale Ale 0-71 Handicap over 1500 metres.
Womby Princess, a 4 year old mare by Lacryma Cristi, annihilated her opposition, winning by 4 1/2 lengths. The extent of the winning margin was made even more extraordinary having regard to the fact that Womby Princess settled near last and was still only in ninth position at the 400 metre mark. However, perfectly piloted by leading jockey Simon Price, Womby Princess weaved her way through traffic and by the time they straightened for home she had hit top speed and the race was over in the twinkling of an eye. At $6.50 on the tote, Womby Princess represented excellent value for astute punters who recognised that Womby Princess was ready to put her best foot forward after an eye-catching run at Morphettville Parks at her previous start.
The manner of Womby Princess' victory suggests that she will win better races and more regularly. It must also give Mark Minervini and connections confidence that Womby Princess is versatile enough to win over more ground, after her previous best form had been over shorter journeys.
The win also continued Mark Minervini's exceptional record at Gawler, a track at which he has notched up 8 wins so far this season. The first of those wins was recorded by Addiction To Rock, Minervini's promising 3 year old who takes on the older horses in a race of some depth at Morphettville Parks this Saturday. Nevertheless, the Rock Of Gibraltar gelding is sure to acquit himself well, as is the Elusive Quality gelding Madlool, who gets out to a suitable trip (1950 metres) for the first time this preparation after some very encouraging runs over shorter distances.