Western Australian trainers Grant and Alana Williams stole the show at Caulfield today when Regal Power and Superstorm ran the quinella in the $5m The All-Star Mile (1600m).
Regal Power, above, wins The All-Star Mile with William Pike in the saddle at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Leading Perth jockey Williams Pike was back to his best with a superb ride on Regal Power who was always travelling sweetly in the first four throughout the race.
Pike came in for some criticism for his ride on Regal Power when he got run down by Fifty Stars when second in the Group 1 $1.5m Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington last Saturday but the was quick to make amends today.
“I’m thrilled,” Pike said.
“I was very happy. This horse has been so good to me. I wasn’t at my best last start so it was some way to atone him for that.”
Pike was quick to praise the training partnership of Grant and Alana Williams who also saddled up The All-Star Mile runner up Superstorm.
“The Williams camp, I think right now, I don’t think there is anyone training better than them,” Pike said.
“Their record in big races is amazing.”
Regal Power ($11) had clear running in the straight and surged to the front at 250m and was able to hold out his stablemate Superstorm ($15) to post a three quarters of a length win with the star Kiwi mare Melody Belle ($4.20) running her usual honest race to finish third.
Ryan Maloney was able to settle the $2.80 favourite Alligator Blood in second and third position behind the tearaway leader Flit ($17) before challenging for the number one position at the top of the straight but the David Vandyke trained three year old’s winning run came to an end as he faded to finish tenth in the fifteen horse field.
Winning trainer Grant Williams was quick to mention high profile Perth owner Bob Peters who suppliers the stable with plenty of horses and plenty of winners.
“He has been super to us,” Grant Williams said.
“We couldn’t be where we are without him. It is just great that he has given up this opportunity.”
