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A horse bought with a quick return in mind is now providing ample proof that good things do indeed come to those who wait.
Rising eight-year-old Palemo continued his excellent winter form at Hastings on Saturday when he added the Animal Health Direct Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase to his record for owners Douglas Duncan and Jeff McVean.
Friends from their show jumping days, they purchased Palemo as a yearling for $90,000 at Karaka in 2008 with the intention of a fast profit at the Ready to Run Sale later that year.
However, the half-brother by Don Eduardo to the Gr.1 Avondale Gold Cup winner She’s A Meanie proved to be such a late developer that he was withdrawn from the auction.
After two minor wins on the flat, firstly with David Haworth and then from McVean’s Cambridge stable, he was sent to master jumping trainer Kevin Myers for a change of direction.
The gelding was a winner over the big fences at Trentham last winter and this time around he has gone to another level with victory in last month’s Waikato Steeplechase announcing his arrival on centre jumping stage.
Palemo was suited by a good pace at Hastings and regular rider Mathew Gillies said being forced to wait before he could improve down the back for the last time had been a blessing in disguise.
“They were going quickly early on and that set it up for us to come into it.
“I couldn’t get a run at the 800 and had to sit a bit longer, but it worked in my favour and he accelerated really well and put paid to them.”
Palemo was clear at the final fence and, despite a lack of concentration, he got over the final flight and had eight and a-quarter lengths to spare on Volkswagin, who shaded Dane Ruler.
The favourite Tim, part-owned by Duncan’s brother Ken who prepared Wee Biskit to win the novice hurdle, finished fourth. The early pacemaker Rangatira was on the retreat across the top and tailed the field home.