Vocalic’s winning form's back
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Vocalic (Jim Byrne) on his way to victory at Eagle Farm (Noel Pascoe photo)
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Trainer Ron Maund admits there have been a few hurdles to jump with Vocalic but was thrilled to see the six-year-old back in winning form.
Vocalic (G6 Easy Rocking-Telltina) claimed the Marist College Ashgrove Handicap 1200m at Eagle Farm on Saturday, his first win for the season and second in the last three starts.
The win also secured a treble for jockey Jim Byrne after riding Vocalic to victory by a length over Forestreno (Tony Pattillo). Race-favourite Ghetto Blaster (Ric McMahon) finished third a close head behind.
“He’s quite a late maturing horse even though he was handy when he was younger,” Maund said.
The Eagle Farm track was rated a heavy 8 for the run, working in Vocalic’s favour.
“He hit a few hurdles while he was growing up and we weren’t really sure what way to go about him but we’ve learnt a bit about him (now) including the fact that he likes soft ground,” Maund said.
“He’s thrown to the Easy Rocking side because he doesn’t mind it a bit wet.”
Vocalic’s previous win at Eagle Farm was on a slow track which saw the $26 starter claim victory by three and a quarter lengths.
“In recent times he’s had some bad hiccups. After winning on Stradbroke Day in a good Class 6 he then got hurt in the float and rubbed his hip really badly,” Maund said.
“He then had to have a break and went to Sydney and missed a suitable race so we gave him a trial or two and turned him around and brought him back home again.”
Maund turned his mind to a couple of “good stakes races that suited him at Eagle Farm” on his return to Brisbane.
“Horses like him that are on the fringe of being a stakes horse are probably walking in the shadow of the grey (Gold Edition) and even Ice Chariot for that matter,” Maund said.
“He’s had to lift his game a couple of times when he probably wasn’t quite up to it. Now we’re probably settled to don’t aim too high with him.
“He’s always been a better than average galloper. His race form sometimes wasn’t up to scratch. More than anything it’s been him getting to know his racing style and us learning about him at the same time.”
Owners Kevin and Tanith O’Brien were in their home state of Melbourne for the win but were no doubt watching the race.
“He’s given them some big thrills. He (Kevin) was here on Stradbroke Day and I’d say there would have been a big cheer in the committee room at Caulfield on Saturday,” Maund said.
Byrne’s other two wins for the day came on Pay Me in the Boom Logistic Handicap 2100m and in the Marist College Ashgrove Community Handicap 1200m aboard On the Fridge.
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