Salty Robyn scores impressively to win the Tabcorp Rod Fitzpatrick Memorial at Tabcorp Park Menangle tonight. Photo by NSWHRC
WHAT threatened to turn into a horror night for Shane Tritton-Lauren Panella team took a turn for the better when outstanding youngster Salty Robyn captured tonight’s $51,000 Tabcorp Rod Fitzpatrick Memorial at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
Panella endured something of a horror night when two of her earlier drives had galloped out of the mobile.
And when Salty Robyn skipped for a few strides, Panella’s huge band of followers must have had their hearts in their mouths.
Still Salty Robyn settled quickly after the tardy beginning and came with a withering burst to score an impressive win in the time-honoured feature for two-year-olds.
The son of Art Official rated 1:53.9 to beat Machamillion, Redbank Lenny and Boobalaga Road showing he is definitely a horse of the future.
“We always knew we had something special on our hands with this fellow and watching some of the two-year-olds go 1:55 and 1:54 in races we knew he would need to be if he was going to beat them,” said trainer Shane Tritton.
“Thankfully he settled down after that early break and showed how good he is.
“Plan A wasn’t to gallop, that’s for sure. Thankfully Plan B worked and Lauren did well to get him into the race with a good drive.”
An hour or so later, Tritton was lamenting another galloper when the well-backed Alabama Shakes galloped, losing all chance in the Best In Beds Pink Bonnet.
The two-year-old fillies’ classic went to lightly-raced Abettorrose, raced by the NSW Harness Racing Club for a different charity every time she goes around.
Trained by KerryAnn Turner and driven by Robert Morris, the daughter of Bettors Delight fought off all challengers in the straight to score a strong win in 1:56.4, beating Art Mistress and Shes Bettor by a head.
