Pardoe led from start to finish to record an impressive win in The Phoenix, but he is unlikely to back-up in the 2017 JJ Atkins at Doomben next weekend.
Hugh Bowman booted home Pardoe in The Phoenix at Doomben this afternoon. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Hugh Bowman took Pardoe straight to the lead in the early stages of The Phoenix, but the Red Dazzler colt was unable to settle and he ensured that the race was run at a genuine tempo.
Pardoe had a number of his rivals off the bit coming around the turn – including the favourite Snitzepeg – and he never looked like being caught in the concluding stages of the race.
Bowman admitted after the race that Pardoe never really settled in the run in The Phoenix and he doubts whether the two-year-old would be able to run out a strong mile in the JJ Atkins next weekend.
“He didn’t lead comfortably,” Bowman said.
“He wanted to overdo it in front and I think that he would be better with a bit of cover.
“It makes the win even better because he really didn’t relax that well for me.
“He gave a bit of a kick and he certainly has some character about him.
“I think that is his trip – I wouldn’t suggest that he is going to run a mile anytime soon judging on what I felt today.”
The connections of Pardoe have knocked back a number of sizeable offers for the horse during the 2017 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival and that decision paid dividends with his win in The Phoenix this afternoon.
Pardoe has been included in the nominations for the JJ Atkins, but Sears indicated that his star galloper is unlikely to back-up in the Group 1 event and looks set for a stint in the spelling paddock.
“He has done a really good job,” Sears said.
“He has always shown really good ability from the start and I always thought that he would progressively get better as he goes further.
“I don’t want to be too bullish, but I thought that he was a pretty good thing today going to the 1350.
“My gut feeling is that he won’t go to the JJ Atkins.
“He would have to come through the run extremely well, there is not a lot of him and I would be leaning towards giving him a break if he doesn’t come through the run well.”
Promising maiden Italia Bella chased home Pardoe for second, while Magnufighter rounded out the placings in third.
