Never Ending. Photo by Pacepix
Star pacer Never Ending has continued his winning ways in yesterday’s Battle Of Bunbury (2100m).
It was another impressive performance from the three-year-old in the $35,000 event, rating 1:54.6 in the 16.4m win over Hale Saint Louie and stablemate Rolling Fire.
Prentice’s other runner Mikis Beach finished fourth.
Reinsman Gary Hall Jnr wasted no time in sending Never Ending to the lead and sizzled home in 53.7.
It looked to be one of the more effortless wins in the gelding’s 12 career starts, of which he’s tasted defeat only once.
Hall Jnr said there were still some minor aspects Never Ending would need to improve on but was impressed by his latest success.
“He was slightly keener today, which he often is when we do ask him to go forward,” Hall Jnr told The Trots WA.
“We all knew once he got to the front, everything was done and dusted early.
“I’ve driven some pretty good horses and I don’t think I’ve ever gone 26.6 as easy as that.
“I’m sure it looked as good as it felt.”
Trainer Justin Prentice said it was a special win and he was pleased Never Ending was able to overcome some hurdles in the run.
“I don’t think he’s been to Bunbury since his second ever trial, so it was good for him to do it on my home track too,” Prentice told The Trots WA.
“I was a bit concerned after the false start, but he seemed to handle that.
“I thought he would get a bit stirred up today, given he didn’t have to travel to Gloucester Park.
“Junior said when the other horse came up in the one out line, he knew it was time to go.”
Prentice said he would weigh up whether to give Never Ending another run before the Western Gateway on October 20.
The Boyanup-based trainer will be out for more feature race success alongside Hall Jnr, when the pair team up with Manhattan Moon in tomorrow night’s Channel 7 Golden Slipper (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
Manhattan Moon secured his spot in the $150,000 event by winning at Gloucester Park last week.
Prentice said he was relieved when Manhattan Moon drew a kinder barrier earlier this week.
“He got the lucky run last week, but he’s had bad luck along the way with draws and in races,” he said.
“He’s an extremely hard horse to train, so hopefully he can repay us on Friday.
“I don’t think there’s any horse in the race that’s unbeatable.”
