Trainer Tony Pike had a feeling his class sprinter, The Bostonian, was in the sort of form to run the race of his life in Saturday's Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m).
A strong final gallop in the hands of raceday rider Michael Cahill during the week suggested the Jimmy Choux four-year-old was back to his best and so it proved as he defied race favourite Osborne Bulls. “He seems to really come right at this time of the year and Michael said his work on Tuesday was simply sensational,” Pike said. “We were confident of a big run although it was a top-class field, so you couldn't think he would just turn up and win. “His record in Queensland is very good (unbeaten five from five) so I knew if we could get some luck, he would acquit himself well.”
Pike wasn't at Doomben to witness the win first-hand, however he managed to catch all the action on television back in New Zealand. “I had a commitment back in New Zealand for Sam Beatson's wedding so that was why I wasn't at Doomben,” he said. “We did get to see the race live though and got a great thrill. “Watching it all unfold I thought he was really trucking and turning for home he just needed a gap. “Michael did a superb job and he was very strong to the line to get the win.”
Pike will now monitor The Bostonian's recovery before committing to his next target. “We will see how he comes through the race during the week and then I will have a chat with David Archer (owner) about where we go,” he said. “The Kingsford-Smith Cup (Group 1 1300m) in a fortnight is an option but as he goes so well fresh it might be better to wait for the Stradbroke (Group 1 1400m) on June 8.”
Pike has a seven-strong team in Brisbane for the winter carnival with several members likely to be in action over the next week. “Ever Loyal will likely run in the BRC Sprint (Group 3 1350m) next weekend while Intrigue will have her second start at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday,” Pike said. “Sacred Day is flying over today (Sunday) and he might have a start at Doomben on Saturday. “I'm happy with the team and how they are shaping up, including Terra Sancta who I thought went a really cheeky race, out of her grade, on Saturday. “She was very strong at the line and afterwards, so she is making good progress. She could run in the Premier's Cup (Group 3 2200m) in a fortnight and then tackle a race like the Ipswich Cup (Listed 2150m) after that.”