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While Peace No War has a commendable record of two wins from five starts racing on grass, it has been on the Polytrack where he has been raising eyebrows with some spectacular performances.
The fleet footed three-year-old gelding once again displayed his blistering pace and is proving impossible to catch in a sprint as he took out the $75,000 Class 3 over 1000m on Sunday.
Ridden by jockey Alan Munro, Peace No War stopped the clock in a brisk 58.55secs to finish a length clear of Sand Lane (Manoel Nunes) while Bigdinero (Mohd Suhaimi) was the same margin behind in third.
It was Peace No War’s second victory in his third consecutive outing on the alternative surface and his record might have been even more impressive if not for an injury to his off-hind in his last start that resulted in a sixth-place finish.
“Today was the perfect trip and conditions for him,” said assistant-trainer James Peters, who was representing the stable while his boss Michael Freedman was still overseas in Australia’s Gold Coast attending the Magic Millions yearling sales.
“He seems to enjoy running on the Polytrack and 1000m looks the ideal distance for him.”
The manner of Peace No War’s victory, stalking early race leader Sand Lane for the first half of the race before exploding past him down the home turn, was equally pleasing for his connections.
“When he won two starts ago (with a stunning time of 57.91secs and just outside the course record of 57.76secs), he led from start to finish whereas today he had to come from behind,” said Peters.
“He rode with cover this time and with restraint. He didn’t push himself too hard and still won. It was a very professional performance and a very nice ride by Alan.”
Despite being in the irons for the first time aboard Peace No War, the English hoop was a confident man.
“He’s got a great fight in him this horse. The pace suited him and he was actually quite relaxed,” he said. “And I knew that Sand Lane had no finish and once we got past him that was it.”
Having pinpointed the strengths of Peace No War, future plans would be tailored to take advantage of the raw speed of the sprinter, said Peters.
“He’ll move up the grades slowly and mostly in these type of races where he is very strong.”
With four wins and two placings through eight starts, the son of War Pass out of Rivers Secret has collected almost $200,000 for owners the Lotus Stable.