Southern Luck rewarded his followers with an upset victory in the first heat of the Group 3 Ladbrokes Easter Cup in Launceston on Sunday night.
At his first attempt from the stand in Hobart last Wednesday, Southern Luck galloped early, eventually sporting his opposition in the NR55 or better event a head start of more than 50m, before finishing third, just 1.8m from the winner, Settebello.
Most punters deemed the rise in class as a bridge too far for the 7yo gelding, sent out as a $101 chance. Driven by Todd Rattray, Southern Luck was safely away before settling towards the rear of the field and was still last at the 500m mark. Rattray rounded the field and held off a late challenge from Stepping Stones ($12) that also settled well back in the race.
Hobby trainer Danny Malone only has three horses in work, but one of them is now a live chance in one of Tasmania’s premier races.
“The horse has been going well. All I said to Todd was to have patience with him, and he drove him well. The horse needs to wind up, and that’s what he did,” Malone said.
“It’s like Wednesday’s run matured him. He’s more relaxed and really settled down.”
Southern Luck, a son of Ifihadyourluck and Mint Tan, was bred by Malone and has been responsible for eight of the trainer’s 20 career wins. A win in the $75,000 Group 3 final would be far and away the biggest of Malone’s career.
“I’ll be up against a lot stronger field in the final, but the way he’s going, I’ve got a good shot at it,” said Malone, confirming that Todd Rattray will retain the drive.
The second Easter Cup heat was won by race favourite Horatius Speculo ($1.60), who assumed that position at the top of the market, following the scratching of Triedtotellya. Connections of the reigning Horse of the Year cited a high temperature and the likelihood of a hard run from his 40m handicap as the reasons for leaving Triedtotellya at home.
Horatius Speculo’s mile rate of 2:02:2 was considerably slower than the 2:00:6 of Southern Luck in the opening heat.
Training honours on Sunday night were shared between Steven Davis and Conor Crook, who both had doubles. Davis secured wins with King Bart ($4.80) and Kostyuk Leis ($21) while Conor had success with Lougle ($1.18) and Mary Mourne ($2).
The Easter Cup Final will be run in Launceston on 4 April, part of a big 10-race Saturday night program.
