Warwick Farm trainer Clarry Conners expressed his relief after Peace Officer, a talented four-year-old, secured a victory at Randwick on Saturday, providing jockey Aaron Bullock with back-to-back victories.
Peace Officer, the son of Iffraaj, was the +260 favourite, but the race featured a fierce duel down the straight before he managed to break free, ultimately winning by just over a length from the consistent Satness.
Conners, a Hall Of Fame trainer, commented, “We were in trouble for a little while, and it was a bit hard to see on the TV, but he won. That's all we can do.”
Conners holds Peace Officer in high regard, and at one point, he contemplated aiming for the Golden Eagle (1500m) with the gelding.
He said, “He's a very good horse, I think. But now we will have to aim higher and see what we can do. I am waiting to get the horse over a mile. He will be a different horse, honestly.
“I am sure he wants further. Have a look at his form. He is very consistent and is a lovely horse to train.”
Peace Officer has now won four of his 12 starts and three of his past four outings, including a Midway two starts back at Rosehill. Bred by Jamieson Park, Peace Officer is one of three winners from the Commands mare Coyote Miss.
Conners admitted to knowing little about the gelding's proven sire Iffraaj when he purchased Peace Officer for A$90,000 as a yearling at the Sydney Classic Sale.
He shared his initial impression, saying, “He was some distance away when I first caught sight of him. I quickly moved closer and could see he had great presence. He looked more mature than most yearlings, moved beautifully, and had a commanding head.”
The experienced trainer elaborated on his decision to purchase Peace Officer, explaining, “I don't mind admitting I knew little about the colt's sire Iffraaj and was unfamiliar with his distaff side.
“I liked the fact that his dam Coyote Miss was by the very good sire Commands, while his second dam Miss Alabama was by Woodman and had left a number of winners.
“Several existing clients liked him as much as I did, and a few new ones came on board as well. We soon had a lovely little syndicate together to race him as Peace Officer.”