by APG Media
A RENOWNED mathematician, astronomer, and physicist, Isaac Newton is best known as the ‘father of gravity’.
While resting under a tree for the afternoon, Newton was struck on the top of his head by a falling apple, sparking his curiosity in the theory.
In hindsight, coming to the conclusion of “what goes up must come down” seems pretty obvious.
Finding himself in a similar situation, Melton horseman Michael Chircop made a real discovery in the form of a potential Group One winner!
Chircop’s ‘apple moment’ came while taking a break during the 2014 Ladbrokes Australian Pacing Gold Yearling Sale.
Sitting under a tree to escape the heat, Chircop’s attention was captured by a colt, which he quickly looked up in the catalogue.
Impressed with the breeding, Chircop made the successful bid of $13,000.
“I was at the Australian Pacing Gold Sale sitting under the tree not really doing anything when this yearling walked passed and caught my eye,” Chircop said.
“I decided to look him up and saw he is by Courage Under Fire from a Safely Kept mare, which is the same cross of Smolda.
“The next thing I know, I’ve bought him.”
Chircop’s discovery posed a separate problem.
“I had to call my mate Jason, who was at a party, to hurry to the sale and bring the cheque book,” Chircop said. “He didn’t believe me at first, but he quickly came down and the colt was ours.”
The purchase is now known General Dodge, which is a leading chance in tomorrow night’s Vicbred Super Series Final at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Unbeaten from seven starts this season, the four-year-old was simply a cut above his rivals in his heat and semi.
The gelding boasts nine wins and a luckless fourth from 10 starts.
“I couldn’t be happier with his preparation going into the Final,” Chircop said. “He did a great job in his heat and semi and has been working brilliantly this week.
“Life has been made hard by drawing two on the second line, but if he can get an even crack at them without interference, he’s going to be very hard to beat.
“Soho Tribeca is the main danger as he has had that hardened racing experience, plus he’s coming off the front.
“We’ll just have to hope for luck and see how it goes on the night.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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