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Appropriately named Marc Conners colt Didntcostalot gets the chance to extend his unbeaten career record on Saturday, and further inflate connections' bullion-like return on their investment.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Classic Bloodstock's Vern Rayner frugally parted with just $3000 to secure the son of Danerich at the 2010 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, and syndicated the horse to be trained by Conners.
The 10 fortunate owners were instantly rewarded, and shown a glimpse at the horse's potential, when he saluted on debut at Wyong.
Wins at Gosford and Warwick Farm followed last campaign before Didntcostalot was sent for a brief spell.
He resumes in the Benchmark 80 Handicap (1100m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday after easily winning a trial at the track, and Conners was confident his sprinter could collect another fat paycheque.
“We've always thought that he's had good ability but how he's been beating them has been quite satisfying,” Conners said.
“If he performs well on Saturday he'll step up to a listed race after that. I'm very happy that he's at our place and hopefully we can win a few more with him.”
Rayner has made a habit of picking up quality from a small outlay over the years.
His best purchase has arguably been Mr Clangtastic, a $10,000 pick up who's won nine races and almost $475,000.
Dorf Command cost Rayner the same amount, and has tallied seven wins and nearly $400,000 in prizemoney while he also found Skalato for just $1400. He retired having banked $192,150 before going on to a stud career.
“He's been a pretty good judge over the years he's bought some great horses at cheap prices,” Conners said.
“He syndicates a lot of horses for myself, Dad [Clarry Conners], and [brother] Heath.
“He just goes through the horses and sees which ones might be a little bit underdone and that might improve with a bit of time.”
Didntcostalot still has plenty of ground to make up on his Classic Bloodstock cousins, but the depth of his ability remains largely untapped.
His debut win at Wyong was devastating. Jockey Jeff Penza went straight to the lead and kicked clear to win by more than five lengths, breaking the track record in the process.
Next time in, he went to Gosford, led them up again and won comfortably at Class 1 level.
His most recent effort was in a no-metro-wins handicap at Warwick Farm in December where he won by two-and-a-half lengths, beating subsequent stakes winner Safusa.
“We'll just keep raising the bar each time for him and see how far he can go,” Conners said.