by Graham Fischer
There is no doubt the Southern Cross story of the night at Globe Derby Park was the win by Somebeachsomegift in the Group 2 UBET Southern Cross Three-Year-Old Colts & Geldings final (2230m).
It was the first Group success for driver Megan Gee, breeder Viv Clark, and part-owner John Hill but he only knew the result by text message as he was being transported to hospital by ambulance after suffering angina pains.
For trainer Jill Neilson, it was her second Southern Cross win, but after 14 years, following Leftem For Dead’s success in the 2003 Three-Year-Old Fillies final.
A $35.70 chance, Somebeachsomegift came from back in the field with a strong run to score a 1-1/2 metre win from Brohart ($65.80) with Clarenden Hustler ($20.90), a similar margin away third.
Heavily backed favourite Stars Of Courage ($2.60 into $1.40) worked to lead but faded up the home straight to finish fifth.
Neilson was happy to deflect the praise for the success of Somebeachsomegift to Megan Gee who works for her stable.
“He is Megan’s horse,” Neilson said, “she spends pretty much all day with him.
“He is a very big horse but is pretty much scared of his own shadow, and Megan is always calming him, saying ‘I’ve got your back, mate’.”
Gee, who took 24 hours to appreciate the significance of the victory, said she loved ‘the big horse’.
“John, who is a trainer himself, didn’t get along with the horse early on as he probably didn’t have the time to be with him, and said I could have a go,” Gee said.
“I always seem to be attracted to problem horses, and was happy to take a lease with John, and brought up him up to Jill’s stable.
“Jill saw my love for the horse and was happy to let me try to get him going and from the first time I was able to get him going thought he would be something special.
“He is still a big boofhead and can get upset over the smallest thing but is improving.”
Gee said she was pleased with Somebeachsomegift’s semi-final fifth but knew the job would be ahead when he drew gate 11 in the final.
However, she had the three-year-old away quickly and he settled one-out, four back off a quick early tempo.
Gee made a winning move with as lap to go when she came three wide and put the gelding into race before challenging Stars Of Courage 300m out and taking the lead in the home straight.
Somebeachsomegift kept running and although the placegetters were coming home strongly, they never looked like taking victory.
Gee said she was very happy for Viv Clark and John Hill.
“Viv is a fantastic breeder and has had plenty of winners and thoroughly deserved a Group winner while John has given me driving opportunities and gave me the chance to work with Somebeachsomegift.
“I was shocked and sorry to hear he was on his way to hospital when the race was being run. I hope he has a speedy recovery.
“For Jill, who has been a close friend and wonderful supporter since I came into harness racing, it was fabulous to give her a second Southern Cross win.”
Gee said Somebeachsomegift might have just one more run before going for a spell.
In a shock, Gee said she might also be taking a break.
“I have been working seven-days-a-week for a few years. I don’t mind hard work but I know in myself I need a break so while the horse is having a spell I might take the opportunity to get away from the industry for a while to re-evaluate my goals.
“I’m sure when he comes back into training, I’ll be ready to have his back again.”
Gee has had her most successful season in 2016-2017 driving 18 winners and she currently sits fourth on the SA Female Drivers table behind Dani Hill, Lisa Ryan and Kaela Hryhorec.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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