Canberra horseman Matthew Dale described Man Of Peace’s Randwick win on Saturday as the “best advertisement” for a shot at The Kosciuszko 2020 this The Everest Day in Sydney.
Man Of Peace looks a genuine hope for October’s 2020 The Kosciuszko. Photo: Steve Hart.
An eight-year-old son of Zariz, Man Of Peace was specifically set for $125,000 ATC Thank You Jockeys Handicap (1300m) giving the veteran galloper the chance to spruik his credentials for the $1.3 million The Kosciuszko (1200m) back at the track on October 17.
The horse did exactly that, flying with the three kilo apprentice claim of Louise Day seeing him carry 55.5kg and relishing the Heavy (9) Randwick track conditions to beat the odds-on pop Kordia by over two lengths.
Day produced a smart front-running ride on Man Of Peace who Dale believes has the sprinting prowess to be competitive over the six furlongs of The Kosciuszko this spring.
Horses in the event, open only to NSW county-trained horses, are selected by winning ballot holders and Dale hopes Saturday’s performance puts Man Of Peace firmly in the mind of selectors.
“Back to 1300 was as close as I could place him to have a look and I thought, if he can come out and win a quality race like this then I’d put his hand up for a Kosciuszko and freshen him up for it,” he told the media post-win.
“I think he answered those questions today.
“The best advertisement for The Kosciuszko is to win a race like that, then the rest will sort itself out.”
Day has now had three rides aboard proven mudlark Man Of Peace for a hat-trick of wins, the young hoop having guided him to a narrow win in May’s Octagonal Handicap (1400m) as well as a leas-start win over 1400m in a Benchmark 88 at Kensington on July 18.
Current all-in The Kosciuszko 2020 odds at Ladbrokes.com.au – available in full here – list Man Of Peace as a $15 chance in markets led by Creswick Stakes winner Front Page ($4.60).
