Evergreen galloper Pepperwood sent his earnings over $900,000 with a strong finishing win in today’s listed Spear Chief Handicap (1500m) at Eagle Farm.
A proven big race performer, Pepperwood raced off the speed but found plenty when called upon by rider Larry Cassidy to reel in the leader Dusty Star and beat the Victorian by a widening length and a quarter margin.
The gelding, purchased by trainer Liam Birchley, for just $38,000 from the Glenlogan Park draft at the 2006 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, is now the winner of nine races and his earnings have raced to $912,600.
Prior to today’s stakes success he’d already won a Group Three Doomben Classic, two editions of the listed Bernborough Handicap, a listed Recognition Stakes as well as the rich Magic Millions Stayers Cup.
Birchley was all smiles after the race and told reporters he expected a positive performance from the long shot.
“He’s been a stable favourite for a long time but he hasn’t been suited in a lot of his races of late as they’ve been in weight-for-age races.”
“He showed he’s still got the dash. I was a little more confident of him running well today on the heavy track. He loves the conditions.”
The tough gelding will return to Eagle Farm next Saturday to contest the listed Strawberry Road Handicap (1600m).
“He generally comes good and wins a race or two each preparation.”
“He’s done it again now and hopefully he can do it next week.”
One of eight individual stakes winners for the former record breaking sprinter Easy Rocking, Pepperwood is from the unraced Woodman mare Rhianna Louise.
Hailing from the family of Charge Forward, Sydney’s Dream, Kidman’s Cove and Donna Natalia, Rhianna Louise has been represented by three runners to date – all of them winners.
Pepperwood’s full sister Inthemix is a Brisbane winner, while his half brother Unyazi is a winner of three races at distances from 1600 to 2000 metres in South Africa.
Winner: Pepperwood
Breeding: Easy Rocking-Rhianna Louse (Woodman)
Race: BRC Spear Chief Handicap LR (1500m)
Sold for: $38,000
Sale: 2006 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Glenlogan Park
Buyer: Liam Birchley
Earnings: $912,600
Owner(s): MP Casey, Mrs ML Casey, BJ Murphy, Mrs LR Hood, RN Hood, BJ Dmitronow, Mrs GS Dmitronow & Mrs CM Murphy
Trainer: Liam Birchley (Eagle Farm)
