By RUSSELL BENNETT
SUPERSTAR hoop Glen Boss rated Sunday’s TAB Cranbourne Cup field as the best ever assembled for the big race in the wake of his win aboard German import Pakal.
The five-year-old gelding stormed home to win the $200,000 cup (over 2025 metres) by about two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Sertorius and Mourinho, giving local racegoers a glimpse of what he’s capable of.
Pakal drew barrier one and clung to the inside rail for most of the journey – displaying a blistering turn of speed down the straight.
But he hasn’t always had it his own way, as part-owner and former Australian Test cricketer Simon O’Donnell explained in the mounting yard after the race.
“We found him in Germany. He had a really good two-year-old year over there (but) then just went off the boil.
“We were hopeful that he could be reignited and that’s exactly what Mick (Price) has done out here.
“This is a fantastic high.”
Pakal is the first import winner trainer Price has had, adding even more significance to the result.
Boss couldn’t wipe the smile off his face just prior to the trophy presentation.
“I’m really happy for this horse,” he beamed.
“I’d ridden him in trials and gallops and had a bit of an insight into him.
“Drawing (barrier) one today was a big plus for this horse but it wouldn’t have mattered where he drew – he would have won anyway.
“He’s shown very good ability at home but he just hasn’t had his chance to shine.
“Today was his chance.”
Boss didn’t shy away from how highly he rated the run.
“It was as good a field as we’ve seen in the Cranbourne Cup,” he said.
“It’s the best field we’ve ever assembled and he made them look second-rate.
“And he did it with 60 kilos.
“No-one has seen his true ability on the racetrack just yet but hopefully it’s onwards and upwards from here.”
The other feature race of the day – the $100,000 Procon Developments Apache Cat Classic (over 1000 metres) – immediately followed the Cup. The Stephen Brown-trained Canali – ridden by Stephen Baster – led from start to finish, just producing enough to win by a nose from the John Moloney-trained four-year-old gelding Such Hope.
