Smart galloper Epic left his rivals with no excuses as the gelding overcame a tough run to complete a hat trick of victories in the Powerade Class 6 Plate (1600m) at Doomben.
Epic had posted strong wins in Class 6 company at his last two starts but the gelding’s latest victory would rank among his best.
Jockey Ric McMahon had to contend with a terrible barrier draw of gate 13, leaving him with no option but to send his mount forward in an aggressive move in a bid to get close to the inside rail as quickly as possible.
Epic has to work hard out three and four wide before McMahon decided to press on to assume control of the race at the 1100 metres.
The pair had no peace in the middle stages of the race as other on-pacers attempted to exert pressure on Epic, hoping the $3 favourite would have little left for a finishing burst in the straight.
However, Epic had other ideas, digging deep to skip clear of his rivals at the 250 metres before settling down to fight his way to the finish over the final furlong.
The five-year-old broke the spirit of his competition late in the race, leaving the gelding able to run to the line 1-1/4 lengths clear of the second horse to give Epic his fifth win from 21 starts.
Epic’s earnings shot through the $180,000 mark after securing another $32,000 winner’s cheque with his dominant victory.
Congratulations to Epic’s owners – Ken Blackett, Sandra Duselis, Bob Lindsay, Terry Marskell, John Mead, Peter Townsend, Patricia Townsend, Kate Townsend, Melissa Townsend, James Townsend.
© MiStable 2013