By Adam Hamilton\u00a0<\/p>\n
It was one of the great modern day staying performances.<\/p>\n
Former Kiwi pacer Minstrel rekindled memories of WA\u2019s greatest stayer Pure Steel on Friday night when he lifted off the canvas to snatch victory in an epic $450,000 Group 1 WA Pacing Cup (2536m) at Gloucester Park.<\/p>\n
It was the rising nine-year-old\u2019s fifth start in WA\u2019s most prestigious race and his second win after last year\u2019s victory.<\/p>\n
But this was special.<\/p>\n
After losing a spirited early battle for the lead to arch-rival Magnificent Storm, Minstrel was left to face the breeze throughout \u2026 again.<\/p>\n
When Aiden De Campo dashed away with a big lead on Magnificent Storm rounding the final bend, the race looked over.<\/p>\n
But then Minstrel did what only the greats can do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just in awe of him,\u201d driver Deni Roberts said. \u201c(Magnificent) Storm had him beat on the corner and just credit to him, he just finds another gear. He made up a length and a half in the straight.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s when they should be out and out. He\u2019s just unreal. On him you\u2019ve always got that confidence when he straightens, he\u2019s going to fire again. He keeps getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roberts became the first female to drive a WA Cup winner last year and her victory salute on the line last night showed what it meant to defend the crown.<\/p>\n
The win, which by every measure was the best of Minstrel\u2019s stellar career, was another huge thrill for his NZ-based owners Catherine and David Butt, who bred him and kept a share after he was sold to WA trainers Greg and Skye Bond.<\/p>\n
Minstrel smashed through the $2 million prize money barrier with the win. It was his 31st win from 78 starts and the $258,390 first prize took him to $2,024,113.<\/p>\n
The scorching 1min54.4sec mile rate also smashed Minstrel\u2019s own race record of 1min55sec from last year.<\/p>\n
It was Greg and Sky Bond\u2019s third WA Cup win. Along with Minstrel\u2019s two, they also won with Mighty Conqueror in January, 2020.<\/p>\n
Greg Bond ruled out chasing a Hunter Cup or Miracle Mile with Minstrel.<\/p>\n
\u201cTravel doesn\u2019t frighten us, we went to the (2024) Inter Dominion and almost win it, but it\u2019s the difficulty of getting guaranteed flights back home that\u2019s the problem,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s some good races here at home for him. He can have a bit of a let-up now and get ready for the Pinjarra Cup in March and then the Nullarbor and Fremantle Cup in April.\u201d<\/p>\n
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