Double Shot On Target For Perry

Newcastle Herald

Monday June 23, 2008

By GEOFF WILSON

PAUL Perry's reputation as a master horseman was underlined when two-year-old Double Shot stormed over the top of Jest Crewsin' to win the 900-metre handicap for juveniles at Broadmeadow on Saturday.

The two-year-old colt improved markedly after finishing second to the same horse a fortnight ago.

Not only does Perry put the polish on Double Shot, but his eye for potential in an untried and unbroken yearling brought the syndicate that races the son of Strategic the joy of another win.

Double Shot is raced by a syndicate which includes cousins John Evans and Steve Crowhurst.

They have had success with Perry for many years with horses such as Gold Coin, York Street and Main Game.

"Paul rang from the Classic Sales in Sydney and said he had just bought a horse that he really liked," Evans said.

"We did not hesitate and said we would go in the horse.

"Paul has an incredible success rate of getting horses at sales that turn out to be top horses.

"We paid $50,000 for Double Shot."

In today's high-priced marketplace, that is a long way from the top end.

"Paul has told us for a while that he was keen on this horse," Evans said. "He said Double Shot would turn out to be good, and that is exactly what has happened."

Perry selected Choisir, which put Australian racing on the international map, and Golden Slipper winner Stratum among an ever-growing list of successful gallopers. He has high hopes for Double Shot.

"Paul believes this horse will continue to improve, and Double Shot certainly looks a horse of the future," Perry's long-time stable representative Keyren Forbes said.

Double Shot may not be the only horse set to make a mark on the racing scene this preparation for the Perry stable.

Last Monday the highly touted El Cairo scored a good win in a barrier trial at Broadmeadow.

The $2 million yearling may head to Melbourne for the good spring races.

"El Cairo trialled well, and Paul may trial him again," Forbes said.

"Paul has not made any definite plans for the colt, but he might go to Melbourne later in the spring."

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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