UNCLE IVAN GETS REWARD FOR CONSISTENCY

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Uncle Ivan got further reward for his consistency when he scored the fourth win of his career at Caulfield on Saturday. The five-year-old has finished in the first two places in his last six starts, winning on two of those occasions.

Uncle Ivan raced four wide in fourth position until moving into third spot at the top of the straight. The two he had to run down at that stage, Johnny Fiasco and Allied Force, kicked on early in the straight to test Uncle Ivan’s resolve. The latter stuck to his task and got to the front late in the running to complete a grinding victory.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul McKenna: “He’s been real consistent. He’s been running a lot of places there. He’s been in a fair few stables. We haven’t found any issues with him so far.”

Apprentice jockey Brenton Avdulla: “On paper, you know, there was always going to be hot speed with four natural leaders in the race. I was always happy being on the outside and keeping my horse balanced and waiting till we straightened up. One we straightened up and I gave him a few around the tail he really picked up and hit the line strong.

“He is not really one of the push-button horses, you know. I had to kinda get up him before the corner so he wouldn’t lose contact. Once they all started making their runs I really asked him and he really picked up good.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Uncle Ivan): 10.00 steady.
Favourite (Tetsu Gama): 3.50 out t0 3.80. Finished eighth.