Horse Racing

Unstoppable Sydney stayer Straight Albert raced their way to more glory on Thursday night taking out the 2012 Gosford Gold Cup, the Guy Walter-trained four-year-old completing a quartet of consecutive turf triumphs.

Transferring stables to join Walter’s Warwick Farm operation during the spring, Magic Albert gelding Straight Albert has been in sensational form placing in all six of their starts for their new trainer.

Their winning streak started with the Goulburn Cup over the mile back in November and last night stretched to four-from-four with a solid victory in the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m).

It was also Straight Albert’s second black-type success on the trot following on from their gritty victory in the Listed Tattersall’s Cup (295m) at Warwick Farm on January 2.

With Kathy O’Hara in the mount, Straight Albert ($3.80F) last night enjoyed a well-timed tactical run from the inside gate and on the line had three quarters of a length to spare over the Chris Waller-trained Wazn ($8.50).

Finishing off the winning Gosford Gold Cup Trifecta a further neck away third was John O’Shea’s always-hontest Pins six-year-old Legsman ($8.50) while the Gai Waterhouse-trained King Lionheart ($8) came in a close fourth after working hard from the extreme outside barrier.

Following the jump from barrier one, O’Hara got Straight Albert settled midfield off the speed allowing Legsman to do the early work and head the field before they moved away from the fence and made their approach on the straight.

After the win Walter was quick to credit the masterful ride by O’Hara, who was also aboard for the Tattersall’s Club Cup and Goulburn Cup wins.

“It was a wonderful ride,” he said.

“Kathy planned to get off the rail going out of the straight because she felt there was going to be a lot of speed in the race.

“I thought she rode him superbly.

“She wanted to give him room because he takes a while to wind up, but he’s in wonderful form and he’s just a nice horse getting better and better.”

Straight Albert has now won seven of their 18 career starts for $345,760 in prize money to date and after showing a great progression through the ranks this summer, is likely to be aimed at more stakes races later during the autumn.

There is also a chance Walter will head up to Queensland mid-year targeting the staying features of the 2012 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival with his fast improving galloper including the $500,000 Group 1 Doomben Cup (2020m) on May 19.

“He’ll have a let-up now and may come back for the latter part of the autumn and winter,” Walter said.

O’Hara was also full of praise for Straight Albert’s recent progression.

“He has progressed phenomenally,” she said.

“He always showed he had ability when he came to Guy’s (stable) but he’s come on in leaps and bounds.”

Stay tuned to Races.com.au throughout the coming months for all the latest autumn and winter racing carnival news and betting updates.

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2012 Gosford Gold Cup Results & Finishing Order

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