Handy stayer Through Irish Eyes was back in the winner’s circle for the first time since prevailing in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) as a three-year-old when successful at the standalone Bendigo meeting on Saturday.
The now seven-year-old son of Tavistock might have delayed his jumping debut with his dominant three-length victory in the Off The Track BM78 Handicap (2400m) under a clever ride by John Allen.
The Ciaron Maher-trained stayer was sent forward to lead after it soon became evident the race was being run at slow sectionals and he proved too strong for Steel Run and Inevitable Award.
Having recently placed in a hurdle trial, Through Irish Eyes has amassed $496,300 in prizemoney and could potentially be seen at the Warrnambool carnival in either a flat or jumping capacity.
His time away from the winner’s circle also included a rehab period from injury.
“He has had a couple of jump trials and it can really sweeten up those older horses sometimes,” Allen said.
“We knew he was fit and the plan was always to go forward. There was a little bit of pressure early and he didn’t have a lot of tactical speed for the first couple of furlongs.
“We were going even time coming out of the straight for the first time and I was happy to go around them and let him find his feet and he did the rest.
“They really steadied it up coming out of the straight and with only the six runners there was never going to be a lot of pressure in the race, so I was happy to pop out and make my own luck.
“I actually watched his jump trial the other day and he was quite good with Willie McCarthy on his back. They will have a bit of fun with him.”
Raced by a group that includes former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and fellow Kiwi’s Peter Kean and Patrick Harrison, Through Irish Eyes was bred by well-known Australian breeder and owner Jonathan Munz under his GSA Bloodstock banner.
He was a $150,000 purchase by former trainer Darren Weir out of the Henley Park draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka in 2019.
A son of Group Three-winning Zabeel mare Zapurple, Through Irish Eyes is a three-quarter brother to stakes placed Anchor Bid.
