Spring In Gai's Step After Winning Swag

Illawarra Mercury

Monday August 25, 2008

By CHRIS ROOTS

IT WAS Gai Waterhouse's day on Saturday - her four winners at Warwick Farm were complemented by a double at Kembla Grange - and spring is looking rosy.

Fight And Defend did what Waterhouse expected in the Hollymount Bloodstock Maiden Handicap (1400m) and the reviews from winning jockey Mark Newnham would be music to the master trainer's ears.

She had declared the Encosta De Lago colt her Victoria Derby horse in the lead-up to Saturday and although he had had enough on the line, Fight And Defend held off Syreon by a long neck with Gallus 21/2 lengths back in third spot.

"I wanted to ride him very positive and that's why I went to the front," Newnham said.

"He is just going to get better with that experience under his belt because he has never been in front before in a race or a trial.

"When he kicked clear on the turn he didn't know what to do but he has the feel of a solid stayer and there are better races for him.

"I think the blinkers really helped him concentrate but, in the end, he had had enough but he will learn for that."

Fight And Defend ($3.20) became the third winner in a week to come out of the maiden won by Predatory Pricer at Kembla on August 6.

Waterhouse's foreman Scott Henley went home with two winners after Waikiki Beach (Newnham) took out a farcically run final race as a well-supported $2.10 favourite.

But it was Fight And Defend, which held the focus of the big stable.

"Gai was very keen on him and wanted to get that win under his belt," Henley said. "He's going to be an even better horse in three months' time and that, when the big races for him will be.

"I know that Gai thinks he will make a really nice stayer and she has mentioned the (Victoria) Derby."

Waterhouse was spot on with another decision she made when Dreamscape caused a shock in the Group Three Up And Coming Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm on debut. The Choisir three-year-old was nominated for a maiden at Kembla but Waterhouse decided to take on the tougher assignment.

"He was definitely coming here until Thursday," Henley said.

"Peter Robl actually asked me about him at the track (last Saturday) and I told him he goes good, but he was going to Kembla earlier in the week.

"Gai knows best, though."

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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