BEAST MODE MAINTAINS HIS PERFECT RECORD

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, January 4, 2023

The Better Than Ready gelding Beast Mode kept his perfect record intact when he completed a hat trick of wins by taking out a BM68 Handicap over 1000m at Eagle Farm on January 4.

This was Beast Mode’s first visit to town, but the good impression he made when landing successive wins prior to this race ensured that he would start favourite for the contest at the prohibitive price of $1.85.

With Martin Harley, who had ridden the three-year-old to both of his previous victories, again in the saddle, Beast Mode landed midfield at the break, but he was quickly pushed forward by Harley to settle in second place, a length-and-a-half off Al Pal’s Gal, who had raced into an immediate lead.

Harley moved Beast Mode closer in the approach to the turn, having Beast Mode perfectly poised to strike on straightening.

There was still work to do though as Al Pal’s Gal found a kick and Minks Star ($5) started to pressure Beast Mode from behind, but the Vandyke trained runner was up to the task, firstly pegging back Minks Star’s challenge before reeling in Al Pal’s Gal when it mattered most.

The fact that Beast Mode only headed Al Pal’s Gal inside the last 75m stands to the credit of Al Pal’s Gal, who refused to go away quietly, but it also underlined the fact that Beast Mode performance make-up includes a level of commitment which backs his natural ability ... which is always a handy sign for a horse on the way up.

Durnstein ($9) did run on late to take second place away from Al Pal’s Gal, but arrived too late t trouble the winner with Beast Mode ultimately positing a winning margin of half-a-length.

All three of Beast Mode’s wins have come over 1000m on good going.