In a noteworthy development, promising three-year-old Riproar has secured trainer Andrew Forsman his maiden victory from his new Macedon Lodge premises, triumphing at Bendigo, Australia on Thursday.
Forsman, known for his success with raiders from his Cambridge stable, has transferred several of his talented horses to the Macedon Lodge stables in Victoria. Riproar's impressive win at Bendigo underscores the trainer's confidence in his Victorian base.
Riproar, a half-brother to the accomplished Mr. Maestro, previously campaigned successfully for Forsman in Melbourne, clinching the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) and the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) before a respectable fourth-place finish in the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) last spring.
This gelded son of Charm Spirit appears set to follow in his older sibling's footsteps after vanquishing older competitors in a rating 64 race at Bendigo.
Damian Lane skillfully guided Riproar to victory, overcoming a leisurely pace set by the leader, Wilmot Pass, and winning by three-quarters of a length.
Forsman shared his thoughts on the race, saying, “It was a good effort. The leader had a picnic in front, and he got left flat-footed at the top of the straight, and I thought the leader was going to be hard to pick up, but he did well.
“He is a young horse learning his way as he goes. That was good experience for him to get in amongst horses like that and have to flatten out and chase hard.”
Riproar's win at Bendigo marked his third start of the current preparation. He narrowly missed victory when resuming at Bendigo and encountered a tough outing when stuck wide at The Valley, finishing seventh behind Ambassadorial.
Forsman expressed confidence that Riproar will continue to improve as the preparation unfolds. The next target for this talented three-year-old is the Super Impose Stakes at Flemington on October 7.
“He was a little bit above himself before the race, so I think he will take further improvement,” Forsman stated optimistically.
“He is a half-brother to Mr. Maestro, and he shows similar ability. He has got to step up now and go to the next level.
“He is relatively fit, but we have plenty of options with the facilities at Macedon Lodge that helps keep their mind fresh, and I am sure it will help him heading forward.”