MINTAKA LAD ended another very big week for the stable on a high note with a five-length romp at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
The Deep Field gelding went into his second career start off the back of two very impressive trial performances, and he promptly bolted in under Jim Byrne in the Maiden Plate (1200m).
After pinging the gates and settling into a comfortable rhythm out front, MINTAKA LAD bounded clear in the home straight to collect a cheque for $16,800.
David was understandably taken with the manner of the 3YO’s victory, saying: “He’s a bit of a thinker, but the owner who bred him told me he has a lot of ability, and he was certainly right about that.
“The key to his future has been gelding him, because he did everything right today. He’s now showing us that he’s a real professional and knows what his job is, and to perform like that at both ends of the race was very pleasing.
“I’ve got no doubt he’ll go on and win some nice races for us. I’ll probably give him a trip away for his next run, if he sees a few new things it will be to his advantage in the long run.”
The dominant display continued the stable’s recent run of results, with seven wins and six minor placings from our last 18 runners.
Many congratulations to MINTAKA LAD’s owner-breeder, Vern Trillo.