Ignatius | Ascension to the Crown Photo by Tasracing
Tasmania’s sensational three-year-old Ignatius faces the greatest challenge of his career tonight in the Group 1 Final of the Breeders Crown at Melton in Victoria.
The superstar’s trainer-driver James Rattray knows only too well the task ahead for Ignatius but is confident he is cherry ripe for his tilt for a third Group 1 success.
“Ignatius pulled up well from last week’s tough run and he’s worked well during the week, eaten well and is very bright in himself which is a good sign with him,” said the dual Interdominion winning trainer-driver.
“This is the race everyone is after so whoever wins it is going to have earned it, but his preparation couldn’t have been any better.”
Ignatius has won 16 of his 18 career starts and suffered his first defeat of the season in last week’s Semi-Final when beaten a head by Poster Boy.
“It was a super run last week, he did all the work in the death and was still finding on the line, they broke the track record and he’s only gone down a narrow margin, they will know he’s there tonight that’s for sure,” said James.
“We have drawn the second line but so have the other major chances including Emma’s (Stewart) Poster Boy, Ride High and Konan so it will be race of speed and strength.”
James through his association with the brilliant Beautide has made a reputation for himself on the national stage as being cool, calm, a great horseman and smart tactician.
“I’m looking forward to tonight, I know he’s ready to get the job done and I’m keen to go head to head with the legends of our sport,” said James excitedly.
“In my younger days I only dreamed of driving against the likes of Gavin Lang and Chris Alford, I’ve always looked up to them and respected them for their knowledge, ability and experience but it will be all on the line tonight, it’s take no prisoners night, Ignatius is up for the fight and so am I.”
