Being a close relation to an English Derby winner is unlikely to count for much when it comes to saving the manhood of first-up Warwick Farm winner Dance Of Heroes.
A three-quarter brother to High Chaparral, Dance Of Heroes made a heart-stopping Australian debut for prominent owner Richard Pegum and trainer Chris Waller in the TAB Place Multi Handicap (1600m).
Pegum is a businessman who has made a name for himself in racing with horses like My Kingdom Of Fife and December Draw and he says Dance Of Heroes could be his next big thing – if the four-year-old meets racing’s unkindest cut.
“We wanted to geld him but he’s a three-quarter brother to High Chaparral so we thought we will give him a go as an entire,” Pegum said.
“But I’d like to geld him to be honest.”
There will no argument from Waller who told of how Dance Of Heroes displays uncooperative traits that are likely to stop him from reaching his potential.
In imports Foreteller and Moriarty, Waller has enough evidence in his stable to suggest the surgery can’t happen soon enough.
“Foreteller and Moriarty won races as entires in their first preparations here but they were better when they were gelded and they ended up winning Group One races,” Waller said.
Dance Of Heroes’ chances appeared lost when he was one of the last horses out of the barriers but thanks to a rails ride from Tommy Berry the $4 to $3.40 betting firmer scored a short half-head win over stablemate Now’s The Time with the favourite Farolitos ($2.60) a nose away third.
“Horses don’t miss the kick like that and still win,” Berry told Pegum.
The rider’s declaration confirmed to Pegum that one of racing’s oldest adages still holds true.
“Good jockey, good trainer, good horse, good bet,” Pegum said.
Source: bloodstock.com.au
