Another shot in the arm for the old boy
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Brent Evans salutes on Mitanni in the Eye Liner Stakes (Noel Pascoe photo)
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Grand campaigner Mitanni produced his 20th career win in the Listed City of Ipswich Eye Liner Stakes 1350m on Saturday, June 13.
The nine-year-old gelding lined up in the Ipswich Turf Club barriers for his 78th start and apprentice Brent Evans guided him from gate four.
They settled towards the back of the big field of 18. Evans got through a gap at the turn and they held out to win three quarters of a length in front of seven-year-old Mr Hornblower (Brad Pengelly).
Voice Commander (Tye Angland) placed third by a long head.
“He was always going to get back throughout,” said Evans.
“There was a fair bit of speed in the race. I just settled him back there and he was comfortable.
“Coming around to the turn I got tracked in by Steel Lips. We got to the inside of it and when he got to the front he just kept on going.”
Trainer John Wallace was at home sick for the win but felt comfortable watching Mitanni go round. “I was always confident in the run that he was travelling good and just needed a bit of luck,” he said.
Evans was evidently excited to post the Black Type win as he was fined $750 by the stewards for a celebratory gesture prior to reaching the winning post.
“He rode him really well,” said Wallace of the young apprentice. “He’s a very promising jockey that boy.
“He rode him (Mitanni) a couple of times before when he could claim on him. The horse rode particularly well for him.
“He didn’t ride him the other day when Luke Nolen rode him in town. He never handled the wet track that day; it was no fault of Nolen’s in any way. I just thought now he’s getting old he must just need a dry track.”
The win at Ipswich followed up an unsuccessful run in the QTC Cup and Mitanni posted his last wins around the time racing returned to South-East Queensland after Equine Influenza in December 2007.
He also had picked up the Group 2 Sir Byrne Hart Stakes during the 2007 Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.
Towards the start of his racing career Mitanni picked up six wins on the trot in the winter of 2004.
He’s been a grand campaigner for Wallace and the trainer was delighted to see him post the latest win. “Absolutely it was a great thrill on Saturday (June 13),” he said. “More for the horse because he’s been such a good old horse.”
When questioned regarding retiring Mitanni, Wallace is looking forward to a run in the Glasshouse Handicap with the gelding but concedes its something to think about.
“I suppose every day gets closer,” he said. “If he shows me a sign he’s had it, he’ll retire.”
QUEENSLAND Racing web news: Hollie Roberts – June 15
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