MINTAKA LAD illuminated Doomben’s midweek meeting with a scintillating display of sustained speed to bring up a stable double.
The 3YO stopped the clock at 1:08.73 to set a new class record in bringing up his second win from four starts.
Taken straight to the front by Ryan Maloney in the Class 1 Handicap (1200m), MINTAKA LAD settled beautifully into his stride with the blinkers back on.
Under hands and heels, the gelding gradually increased his lead in the home straight to leave his trainer almost lost for words.
“That was amazing,” said David.
“It looked so easy, he’s smashed the class record and was just over a second outside the track record. He had no pressure and cruised to the line under a hold, and gee those blinkers worked.
“I would say 1200 metres is definitely his trip for now, and he’s the type of horse that needs to get a bit stirred up before the race. He charged to the gates, he was sweating up a bit and he really wanted to get on with the job, which is a good sign for him because I knew it was game on then.”
Huge congratulations to his owner-breeder, Vern Trillo.