Drovetti scores second-up

Michael Lee
Sunday, March 29, 2009

Honest galloper Drovetti turned in a spirited performance to score second-up on Sunday, beating a handy field that included smart customers like Dragon World and Golden Number.

Prepared by Steven Burridge, Drovetti franked his encouraging form shown at resumption from a four-month spell when second to Lucky Ninety-Nine on March 4 to go one better courtesy of a gem of a ride by Saimee Jumaat.

Settled in fifth just off the speedy clip set by race leader Happy Everybody (Aidil Feiruz), the Mossman four-year-old found a split halfway up the straight to bear down in workmanlike fashion on the winning post for a one-length win over Student Prince (Barend Vorster).

The winning time was 1min 22secs for the 1400m (Long Course), just 0.2 second outside the course record.

Drovetti (Saimee Jumaat)keeps Student Prince (Barend Vorster) at bay to land the first prize on Sunday.

“He’s done a good job after coming back from his break by running second. He’s always run well except for one bad run last time in,” said Burridge of Drovetti who started as the punters’ second elect at $19.

“I was fairly confident he would run well today, but it was always a question how he would rate against the top weight (Dragon World).”

Favourite Dragon World (Danny Beasley) had every chance after travelling in fourth one off the fence with plenty of cover, but did not produce his customary devastating turn of foot to settle for fourth just under three lengths off the winner.

Saimee said he had his eye on Dragon World as well, but gives credit to Burridge for turning out his horse in tip-top condition.

“Dragon World was obviously the horse to beat but Steven’s done a good job getting Drovetti fit for that race,” said Saimee.

“I had a soft run in transit and when the gap presented itself, he showed plenty of heart to go through for a solid win.”

Student Prince put up a tough fight on the rails and even looked like he could claw his way back but Drovetti was never to be outgunned on Sunday.

Beasley was not too disappointed with beaten favourite Dragon World’s fourth, and looks forward to his next race to make amends.

“He was travelling good for me but his condition gave out in the home straight. I’m still happy with the run as I’m sure he’ll bounce back fitter next time,” said Beasley.

Drovetti is Burridge’s only horse raced by the Ninetyfive Emperor Stable and did not miss the opportunity to thank the owners.

“They have just the one horse with me but they’ve always been very supportive. I think I may have a new horse for them soon,” said Burridge.