Samurai Mind slashes field in ANZAC Day Trophy at Townsville
The ANZAC Day Trophy has been run and won over the 498m in Townsville in an upset display.
SAMURAI MIND lined up for trainer Carol Pickard having placed in its past seven starts, including four victories.
The Fernando Bale x Crazy Bonnie chaser jumped as second favourite ($4.20) but showed that the dogs are unaware of market trends, with the Harold Hovi-trained Redemption Day carrying $1.40 favouritism.
With a record of 17-5-5 from 35 starts, it was understood why the My Redeemer x Fancy Dancer runner had such strong backing, winning 10 times over the track and distance, including the Group 3 Townsville Cup.
Redemption Day got shuffled back to last from the box, before running into trouble with Tap Out Mickey and Blackpool Coco.
Samurai Mind used the wide alley from the eight box to get some open air and punch through to take the lead, running on to win by 1.5 lengths ahead of Hidden Fury.
Owner Jamie Hosking was impressed with the performance knowing what he had sent him to the Pickard kennel to achieve.
“Real happy,” he said.
“Sent him to Greg and Carol as a young immature dog and they have turned him into a nice race dog.
“He has come along nicely and showed he can handle the higher grade.”
Hosking added that Samuari Mind would likely continue racing in Townsville before heading south.
“He will race in a few more graded races up there and likely bring him back to Brisbane at the end of May,”
On a 12-race card, Bradley Belford trained five winners in Mr Gledhill ($5.50), Warbel Tony ($5.50), Easy Does It ($7.50), Pretty Cindy ($2.20) and Winlock All Over ($2.90).
2023 ANZAC Day Trophy – April 25, 2023
Samurai Mind (28.89)