Shoot Out hits his target
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Dan Griffin celebrates his big win on Shoot Out
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Shoot Out came from nowhere in more ways than one to win the Group 2 Schweppes Sires’ Produce Stakes 1400m for the Gold Coast team of John Wallace and Dan Griffin.
After the win everyone was questioning where the horse had come from in the race to cross the line first.
Shoot Out (G2 High Chaparral IRE-Pentamerous NZ) exploded from the rear of the field to win by a length and a quarter.
While trainer John Wallace had been spruiking the gelding’s praises prior to the race, it was only the second start for Shoot Out at Eagle Farm on Saturday, May 30. Shoot Out had only just won its maiden at the Gold Coast two weeks earlier, also from midfield.
Impulsive Dream (Christian Reith) placed second a half neck in front of Carrara (Nash Rawiller).
Race favourite Funtantes (Larry Cassidy) had a good run but faded in the finish to the place fourth.
As jockey Dan Griffin returned to scale after the biggest win of his career, his grin spread from ear to ear.
It was also a success for Western Queensland as Graham and Linda Huddy from Mount Isa are the proud owners of the Group winning horse.
The Huddy family are great supporters of racing and this win was also a top moment for them as their $15,000 Magic Millions purchase snuck home to win the $160,000 in prizemoney right in front of their eyes.
Wallace still believes the best is yet to come from his young gelding as he lines up next week for the T.J. Smith Stakes.
“I think he’ll win the VRC Derby this horse. He’ll stay all day,” said Wallace.
“He’s really good and he’ll only get a lot better.
“About six weeks ago he started to really gallop good and I gave him a trial and he ran a quick time and did everything right.
“I took my time. He’s by High Chaparral out of a Pentire mare so he should go all day.”
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John Wallace congratulates the Huddy's on their victory (Noel Pascoe photos)
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Griffin agreed with Wallace’s assessment. “He’s (Wallace) a great judge,” he said. “If he reckons he’s got it.
“He’s a nice horse and like Johnny said right from the get go, he’s got the makings to go through these Group races.
“Johnny’s a good judge and you don’t ever doubt him. His staff and that have been just great with the horse.
“He’s got a huge turn of foot. Let’s bring on the T.J.”
Griffin described the win as his biggest. “It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I caught up behind Christian Reith afterwards and I said how good does that feel!
“It’s enormous.”
Griffin scored the ride because of the time he puts in with the trainer.
“He does a lot of work for me and loyalty’s a big thing,” said Wallace.
QUEENSLAND Racing web news: Hollie Roberts – June 1
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