CASTALONG Shadow’s three-year-old campaign did not get off to the brightest of starts for Lithgow’s Geoffrey Simpson, but now the trainer-driver is smiling again.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Shadow Play x Leslie Jay colt enjoyed a stellar two-year-old campaign, which included Simpson tasting success in the Group 1 Bathurst Gold Crown Final.
But after four wins and three placings from nine starts as a two-year-old, Castalong Shadow’s three-year-old season was impacted by a virus.
“He seemed to get a bit of a virus … his runs weren’t that bad, but they weren’t up to his usual standard,” Simpson said.
Simpson’s star has now recovered from the virus and as his health has improved, so too has his results.
Last week at the Bathurst Paceway he finished as runner-up – denied by just a head – and on Wednesday night at the same venue he produced a tough run to take the honours.
His victory in the Gold Crown Carnival 23/31 March Pace (2,260 metres) was his second from eight starts this season.
It is an indication Castalong Shadow will be one to watch in the upcoming Gold Chalice series, one for three-year-old colts and geldings run each year as part of Bathurst’s Gold Crown Carnival.
Going from barrier 10 on Wednesday night, Castalong Shadow was backed into $2.40 favouritism with Dennis Picker’s Bella Ball Terror also attracting good support as the $2.90 second elect.
In the end it came down to that pair, but their battle for the honours came after others set the pace.
It was Threes A Charm who led early after crossing from barrier two, but the Bernie Hewitt trained and driven gelding tired and handed up front spot.
Sir Cracker ($7.20, Amanda Turnbull) worked three wide with a trail to roll to the lead off the back straight, before Simpson also made a three wide move to take up position outside him as the bell sounded.
There was a head between that pair, while Bella Ball Terror spotted them around 25 metres.
That changed after a 28.1 seconds third quarter, with Castalong Shadow punching on to take the lead while Bella Ball Terror began to make his charge towards the lead.
As they turned for home Picker had his chance motoring four wide, but Castalong Shadow enjoyed a 12m advantage. In the end it proved to be enough of a gap.
Castalong Shadow won by 2m over Bella Ball Terror in a handy 1:57.3 mile rate, with 9.8m back to Sir Cracker in third.
“He can stay a bit, but I think he’s got a bit of speed too. He can stick on pretty good too,” Simpson said.
For more on the Bathurst Harness Racing Club’s Gold Crown Carnival see www.goldcrowncarnival.com.au
