3 minute read

Smart sprinter Al's Knight returned to racing in brilliant fashion on Friday night to keep his unbeaten run intact.

The lightly-raced four-year-old by Fastnet Rock had not been seen since he scored a gutsy head-win over Deep Pockets last June – his third win from as many starts - but trainer Don Baertschiger explained it was actually an enforced break from racing.

“I never spelled him and he did not have any injury. He was always ready to race, but it's just that he always had mucus on and off,” said the Australian mentor.

“Every time he was nominated, he was scratched because of the mucus. It was very frustrating but the owners have been very patient and understanding.

“We just treated him with antibiotics and luckily, he has come right. The plan was always to lead or race handy as he is a brilliant beginner.

“He's a very smart horse and he won with great ease tonight. It was not a big field but it was nice to win like that after so long.

“We will just take him step by step and see how he goes.”

Jumping smartly from his outside barrier, Al's Knight shot two lengths clear of the rest and was slowly eased to his inside by jockey John Powell, while leaving some room off the rails.

Once he secured the lead, Al's Knight was in control of the race with Maple Star (Saimee Jumaat), Dittatore (Barend Vorster) and Cash Dot Com (Sam Subian) in close attendance.

Upon straightening, it was soon obvious the chasing pack had their job cut out as Al's Knight pulled away to score convincingly with just under three lengths to spare from Dittatore. Trudeau (Oscar Chavez) ran on late to claim third spot another 1 ¾ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 12.83secs for the 1200m of the $75,000 Class 3 race on Polytrack.

Baertschiger who seldom heads down to the winner's box for the photo, was for once in the frame with the happy connections on Friday night.

“I love this horse a lot and as I haven't taken a photo with the owners for a long time, I had to come down,” he said with a big smile.

Those sentiments were also shared by Powell, who admitted to having a soft spot for the Knight Racing Stable-owned galloper.

“He's one of my favourites at the stable,” he said. “There's nothing not to dislike about him.

“He's got a lovely nature, he never squeals, he relaxes so well for you and always gives you 100%.

“He jumped good and I was always mindful to give him a soft lead in front. Once he straightened up he produced a nice turn of foot to win easily.

“I think he's come back an improved horse after the rest. I also think he's more of a Polytrack horse than a grass horse.”

Al's Knight, who scored once on grass from his previous three wins, has now racked up prizemoney in excess of $130,000.