Speedy New Zealand-bred four-year-old Golden Lode staked his claim for a start in the $450,000 TABtouch WA Pacing Cup next Friday week with a strong win in the $31,000 Pat Cranley Memorial over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
He was a $4.40 chance and overcame the disadvantage of starting from the outside barrier (No. 9) on the front line when he moved to the breeze after a lap and got to the front with about 280m to travel before beating $23 chance Star Casino at a 1.55.6 rate after a final 800m of 56.7sec.
Golden Lode, trained by Greg and Skye Bond and driven by Deni Roberts, had an identical1.55.6 rate when he ran on from fourth at the bell to beat Tiger Royal and Menemsha a week earlier.
“He had to do a little bit to get to the breeze (after a fast opening quarter of 28.2sec.) and then we managed to get a breather,” said Roberts.
“Regarding the Pacing Cup, he can measure up to that company. Two starts before tonight’s race he finished just behind (fourth) the good three (Mister Smartee, Minstrel and Magnificent Storm) in the Brennan Memorial.
“The more he races, the better he will get, and I think his win tonight should guarantee him a start in the Pacing Cup.”
Golden Lode is by Always b Miki and is the sixth foal out of New Zealand mare Yankee Dream, who raced 56 times in Western Australia for 15 wins, 18 placings and $262,989.
