MV FEB 13 - LINTON ON THE MARCH

By Scott Gooley | Monday, February 15, 2010

Moonee Valley, February 13, 2010.
Track - Dead 5. Rail - True.
Alister Clark Stakes (Group 2 - 3yo C&G - Set Weights) - 1600m.
Time: 1.39.43. (Carrying 57kg).
1. Linton. 2. Take The Rap. 3. Offhanded.

The lightly raced Linton has established himself as one of this season’s leading three year olds with an impressive win in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Linton made his race debut four weeks ago at Flemington, running an unlucky fourth behind Encosta Belief.

Trainer Robert Hickmott then took the son of Galileo to a Cranbourne Maiden a fortnight later where he demolished his rivals, winning by seven lengths in a smart time.

Despite the significant rise in class, punters had seen enough of Linton’s potential to send him out a solid $3.80 favourite.

Ridden by Michael Rodd and jumping from barrier nine in the field of ten runners, Linton settled second last in the initial stages of the race, seven lengths off the pace which was being set by At The Heads.

Passing the 800m mark, Rodd eased the grey gelding wider on the track and began to make steady ground.

Inside the final two furlongs Linton, who was now racing four wide, was within two lengths of the lead and building momentum as the field ran into the home turn.

Under the hands and heels riding of Rodd, Linton not only joined the leading pair of At The Heads and Offhanded at the 100m mark, but then proceeded to run away from them in an impressive finish.

Crossing the finishing line, Linton had recorded a one and three quarter length win over the fast finishing Take The Rap ($14) who in turn was a head in advance of Offhanded ($3.90) who finished third.

Linton is raced by prominent owner Lloyd Williams and his son Nick, who together have owned a number of top class horses including Melbourne Cup winner Efficient and Zipping.

Linton may be on track to join the illustrious company.

“He looks A-grade doesn’t he?” Nick Williams commented after the race.

“The race wasn’t run to suit. There wasn’t that much pace in it, but Michael Rodd rode him beautifully. He put him in the race at the top of the straight and he was too sharp for them.”

“All our staff were very keen for him to run. They think he’s something special.” Williams continued.

“He’s full brother was up in Hong Kong but broke a leg and died on the track – they said he might’ve been the best up there.”

When quizzed as to the future plans of Linton, Williams stated it was a race by race proposition.

“I think with him being so immature, we’ll take him home and see how he pulls up and let him tell us.”

“We’ve obviously got a horse that’s a Group horse of the future, so we’ll just be doing the right thing by the horse.” Williams concluded.

Rodd confirmed that the pre-race instructions given to him by Lloyd Williams, proved to be very beneficial.

“I spoke to Lloyd and he said, give him (Linton) time and let him come into the race. Make sure he goes through his gears and is balanced.

“Pretty much from the 600m onwards, I didn’t think I was going to get beat ... he was travelling so well.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Take The Rap (NZ) jumped away awkwardly. Cosmocrat raced wide without cover throughout.

B Rawiller rider of Extra Zero explained when put under pressure in the straight the colt was one paced. B Rawiller added that in his opinion the colt may be suited with the addition of blinkers.

After the running of the race the Club’s veterinary surgeon reported that Prost had pulled up very distressed and trainer Mr J Thompson was advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness is required prior to the colt racing again.