Voodoo Lad has returned to winning form with a dominant performance for success in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield Racecourse this afternoon.
Voodoo Lad was too good for his rivals in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes at Caulfield this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Voodoo Lad was unable to return to the winner’s circle despite jumping as a clear favourite in his two starts leading into the Regal Roller Stakes, but jumped well this afternoon and put himself in a good position within the field as Jungle Edge and Gold Symphony dictated early terms.
Rounding onto the final straight with plenty to do, Voodoo Lad immediately responded when asked for an extra effort by jockey Chris Parnham; mustering a particularly strong turn of foot to savage the line ahead of Jungle Edge and Fast ‘N’ Rocking.
Parnham extended his record on Voodoo Lad to two wins from as many starts in the Regal Roller Stakes, and was pleased to repay trainer Darren Weir and the connections with a black type win.
“We’re two from two now, he seems to go well for me,” Parnham said.
“We had a lovely run into the race today. He got a little keen for a couple of strides early but once we passed the 1000m he switched off beautifully and to his credit and to Darren’s credit, he was too good.
“Down the straight he’s seemed to be in a bit of a habit to want to get it over and done with. Today I was lucky that the speed was pretty genuine and he was in a good mood today, so he relaxed well for me.
“Typical of Darren’s horses, they always show up and are very hard to beat.”
Weir was pleased with Voodoo Lad’s performance for success in the Regal Roller Stakes, but revealed that plans are yet to be set for the gelding’s next point of call.
“I must say that I was a little bit concerned probably after they went about 400m when he got into a good spot but was still over-racing,” Weir said.
“But he tucked his head down, got into a good rhythm and stretched out great late.
“He had a trial on Monday and we dropped him out the back, and just let him rip the last 300m, so if he was going to settle he was going to run well.
“He’s a lovely horse to train down at the beach. Obviously we don’t gallop him much because he likes to be on the fresher side. It’s probably the freshest he’s ever looked, today.
“I don’t really know to be honest, we’ll try and find another similar race I guess. Maybe a bit stronger, I’m not sure, but pretty happy to get a win with him today.”
In being crowned the 2016 Regal Roller Stakes winner, Voodoo Lad has now posted seven wins and as many minors through only fourteen career starts.
