Kerry Petrick was disappointed when Venting missed last year’s Alice Springs Cup, but the NT trainer was beaming when her five-year-old gelding saluted in the 2000m feature at Pioneer Park on Sunday.
The son of Star Witness sealed a third win for Petrick in the Alice Springs Turf Club’s premier event, with Stan Tsaikos producing a faultless ride.
Sitting fifth for a majority of the Cup, Venting ($9) pounced turning for home before overcoming Carrol Hunter’s Desert Lass ($11) and Michael Hickmott’s SA galloper Exalted Fire ($13).
“Stan did a great job, he rode the horse perfectly,” Petrick said.
“Venting was fit, he’s had quite a bit of racing and was screaming out for 2000m.
“We took the blinkers off, I’m glad I did, just felt that he was over-racing.
“He seemed to settle much better, I think the bigger field suited him as well.
“He travelled beautifully and he also proved his ability.
“I’ve found that the way to train him is not like a dour stayer, but to train him a little bit fresher.
“That means get a few more runs under his belt for him to be able to step up to longer distances.”
Alice Springs Cup 2024 replay – Venting
Returning from Victoria in March last year, Venting had 10 NT starts for Petrick in 2023 for three wins and five minor placings.
A third over 1400m at Pioneer Park in January was followed by two 1600m wins in February before coming third in the St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) and fourth in the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) in March.
“I was a little bit let down with his last run,” Petrick added.
“Thought he could have been more competitive, but realised that he was looking for further ground.
“I thought Venting and Boom Boom Sweet (8th) were both a chance on Sunday.
“It was a tough decision for Paul Denton to get off Venting, he’s had a lot of success on him.
“He chose Boom Boom Sweet on his terrific win last start.
“Personally, I believe Venting is the better horse and I was surprised with Paul’s decision.
“Like Paul said, we’re all a team.”
An Alice Springs girl, who started her training career in 1996, Petrick agreed that it’s a “buzz” to win her hometown Cup.
“I was just so over the moon for my owners, most of them are Victorian based,” she said.
“They put faith in NT racing, it’s great and a thrill to be supported by interstate people.”
Venting will head to Darwin, where victory in the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) and Darwin Cup (2050m) would secure connections a $100,000 bonus as winners of the Territory Treble.
After Desert Lass finished second behind Boom Boom Sweet over 1900m in March, Petrick said she felt guilty beating Hunter’s seven-year-old mare a second time on Sunday.
“Carrol’s a really good friend and I was so happy for her,” Petrick said.
“It was an amazing run by Desert Lass, I had something each-way on her.”
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