Tough as guts Kembla Grange galloper Direct Fire showcased his determination when holding on for a memorable victory in Sunday’s $80,000 Bega Cup.
Ridden by Amy McLucas for trainer Theresa Bateup, the four-year-old worked hard for the lead in the 1600m Sapphire Coast Turf Club feature race, and turning for home, there was a wall of horses breathing down the leader’s neck.
Despite burning the candle at both ends, Direct Fire ($5.50) held on strongly and won by the best part of a length from the fast-finishing Louie’s Legacy (Claire Ramsbotham, $16) from the Barb Joseph, Paul and Matt Jones team, while in third and a length away from the winner was the Nick Olive-trained Moritz Girl (Alysha Collett, $3.80).
McLucas has been riding the four-year-old son of Dracarys this preparation, even guiding him to a win in the 1300m Midway Handicap at Rosehill Gardens in November.
Since then, Direct Fire hadn’t been too far away when taking on Midway Handicaps in town before finishing down the track at Royal Randwick last time out on January 25.
For McLucas, the talented jockey was just happy to keep the ride and have the chance to lead Direct Fire to a gutsy Bega Cup win.
“I’m sort of lost for words,” McLucas said.
“I’m so thankful to Theresa and the owners for keeping me on; he didn’t have the best run last start, and they were more than welcome to take me off after that run, but they kept me on, and I can’t thank them enough.”
It was a tough front-running victory in the Bega Cup, and McLucas believes Direct Fire thrives under the pressure.
“He’s such a tough horse and gives his all every start, so he deserves the win more than anyone,” she said.
“He seems to run a better race when he kind of has to absorb the pressure early and use himself a little bit, and he is just so fit now that I knew I was able to keep the tempo up and put it back on at an early stage in the race.
“I just knew if he were right today, he’d be too strong.”
Bateup is now Big Dance-bound with Direct Fire, who will get his chance to contest the $3 million Country & Provincial Cup final at Royal Randwick on the first Tuesday in November.
“First of all, a huge thank you to all my owners; it’s been such a fantastic weekend,” Bateup said after the victory.
“A big thank you to Fergal (Connolly) and Valiant Stud; it all started when Jason, who’s part owner in this horse, bought Crackalacka, and we won the Moruya Cup.
“Fergal had bought this fella as a weanling and rang me and said he’s got him in the paddock and gave me the first option to buy him.
“Look, it’s been a fantastic team effort. I’m so proud of the horse; he’s such a dude.”
It was a massive weekend at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club, and in the Bega Sprint (1200m), Goulburn trainer Scott Collings reaffirmed his reputation as a leading conditioner of country sprinters.
Racing Ticklebelly ($2.20), Pierre Boudvillain guided the four-year-old Va Pensiero mare to a half-length win in the $50,000 feature.
It was the Goulburn mare’s fifth career win following a recent victory in the 1000m TAB Highway Handicap at Royal Randwick on December 14.
The stayers also took on the Sapphire Coast Cup over the 2200m journey, and the Luke Pepper-trained Helluva Soiree (Louise Day, $18) caused somewhat of an upset when holding on for victory in the $50,000 event.
Words: Jeff Hanson/Country Punter
Image: Bradley Photos