Joe Satisfaction‘s The Everest-bound dash star Assume About It was smug proving his class as soon as extra when backing-up from a Kingsford Smith Cup victory to have fun successive Eagle Farm Group 1 wins in Saturday’s $3 million The Star Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).
Assume About It (pictured in Sydney) posted his ninth win from 10 begins within the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap 2023. Picture: Steve Hart.
Final week the gun four-year-old son of versatile sire So You Assume grew to become the third horse to safe a slot in October’s $15 million The Everest (1200m).
Henry Area’s Newgate Farm secured the bulk share of Greg Ingham’s GPI Racing The Everest slot and instantly locked within the progressive Assume About It who has now received 9 of his 10 profession begins.
After a bullish Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) win at weight-for-age final day out Assume About It relished a drop in weight and was airborne late charging residence to take out the Stradbroke because the $3.60 favorite by one and a half-lengths.
“I believe I’ve waited a very long time for a horse like this, he’s fairly superb,” Satisfaction informed Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“The way in which he’s gone by means of the grades. It was a extremely particular win at this time see him draw away from them and he was by no means going to get crushed.
“I’m a bit misplaced for phrases.”
Final yr’s third place-getter Rothfire ($16) was sometimes courageous with the native Robert Heathcote-trained hero carrying the 57kg top-weight this yr from the surface alley to run on-pace all through and maintain for second.
In third rounding out the Stradbroke Handicap trifecta was progressive three-year-old Hawaii 5 Oh ($5) for final yr’s successful trainers Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott.
Assume About It was ridden to victory by Sam Clipperton who had the horse settled again off the velocity mid-field all through as Gentleman Roy led the Stradbroke runners round.
The favorite was fast into stride on the house straight coming down the surface quick to run previous Rothfire who was making an attempt onerous and storm residence in sensational type.
“He’s simply been in a position to preserve climbing,” Satisfaction added.
“That is the primary time I haven’t put him up in grade from one run to the subsequent and that was going from a Group 1 to a Group 1.
“That was superb.”
Satisfaction is assured Assume About It should equip himself effectively come The Everest 2023 earlier than tackling probably longer-distanced spring targets.
“Convey on something for this horse,” Satisfaction mentioned.
“I simply don’t know the place his ceiling is.
“I’d like to see how far he would run. I believe he’ll simply run a mile.
“However, very first thing’s first, The Everest slot within the spring. It’s onerous to think about him not working effectively.”
Following on from The Everest Satisfaction appears eager to get Assume About It up over extra distance.
“I believe he’s (So You Assume) a implausible stallion to state the apparent,” Satisfaction mentioned.
“I’ve skilled him (Assume About It) as a sprinter thus far, however that’s to not say he can’t run additional.”
Final yr’s winner Giga Kick heads present all-in The Everest betting at Ladbrokes and can be assured of a begin already together with the 2022 third positioned Mazu.
Assume About It has firmed into $9 The Everest odds.
