Sandown double for Thompson with Triumph, Transponder
As superstar chaser Postman Pat smashed the clock in the Brisbane Cup Prelude, it was a pair of his kennelmates flying the flag for Jason Thompson at Sandown Park on Thursday night.
In a 595m Free For All, Triumph ($3.10) flew out of the boxes with great initial speed to sit second before using the final turn to stalk the lead dog, Ailee Bale ($3.40), then hit the lead to win by 1.87 lengths in a time of 33.95.
Ailee Bale, who led for most of the trip, would fade to finish fourth with Valor Bale ($5.50) in second and Zone Bale ($6.50) in third.
Sandown R4 replay – June 22, 2023
Winner: Triumph (33.95)
The win took the Zambora Brockie x Segovia offspring back to the winner's circle for the first time since April 13, when he saluted at the track and distance.
His career is now 11 wins and 12 placings from 45 starts with $83,905 in prize money.
“Triumph is usually his own worst enemy,” said handler Luke Thompson.
“He finds trouble most of the time.
“He took luck out of the equation when he jumped and lobbed outside the leader after box rise.
“He will now run in the heats of the McKenna Memorial next week.”
The Group 2 McKenna Memorial runs over the Sandown Park 595m and is worth $55,000.
Heats commence next Thursday with the final scheduled for July 6, and the journey is one Triumph relishes having run it twice for wins on both occasions.
Kennelmate Transponder also won on the night, storming home by a thumping eight lengths in a time of 29.12.
His beginning was only fair, but the performance after that over the 515m contest was anything but.
Sandown R5 replay – June 22, 2023
Winner: Transponder (29.12)
The Deliver x Unquestionably dog now has 12 wins and eight placings from 23 starts, having only gone unplaced once in his past 15 starts.
Luke Thompson said the chaser had begun to really hit his straps and eyes had begun to take notice.
“Transponder is turning into the dog we hoped he would become,” he said.
“He's always had an enormous motor, but early doors would let himself down by missing the start and shifting up the track.
“His last month though he's been beginning more consistent, and when he gets a clear run, he can run the arms off the clock.”
He will now be targeted towards the Group 1 Maturity Classic on July 22 at The Meadows, where he is an $8 chance behind joint favourites Alpha Zula and Victa Damian ($5).