23 October 2023 | HRSA Media
ONE factor and one factor alone led to Uncle Chan’s victory in Gawler yesterday – Ken Roger’s drive!
That’s how trainer Luke O’Neill views the result as Uncle Chan caused an upset in the Platinum Cup.
Though he possesses a “deadly sprint”, Uncle Chan’s speed burst is short lived, meaning the son of American Ideal has to be driven as conservatively as possible.
“When he sprints he can really take off,” O’Neill said. “He has a deadly sprint, the only problem is it is only good for 200 to 250 metres at best.
“Take off even a couple of metres before that and his run will come to an end too soon.
“Ken was aware of that yesterday, drove him to a ‘T’ and the proof is in the pudding.
“Ken’s been back a few weeks now and he’s certainly got his rhythm going.”
Pushed through from his second row draw, Uncle Chan was settled two-back in the running line as Malachite Rock led from barrier two.
With Rogers timing his run to perfection, the gelding reached the lead in the shadows of the post to score by a neck from Major Mad, with Malachite Rock a neck away third.
“That’s the run I have been waiting for from him,” O’Neill said. “He has put in some alright performances against better grade, but I thought this was a big drop in grade.
“I certainly thought he was overs in the odds.”
Rating 1:58.5 over 2070 metres, Uncle Chan was the middle leg of a treble for Rogers, who was also successful with All The Trix and Ideal Melody.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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