With a better barrier draw, Pounding has another chance to prove he belongs in Group 1 company when he jumps from lane nine in the Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday.
They were the thoughts of Dalziel Racing syndicator and bloodstock investor, Wylie Dalziel, ahead of his assignment over 2000m and worth $3 million.
The four-year-old gelding fought hard for trainer Peter Moody before finishing sixth last start in the All Star Mile at The Valley last Saturday.
And he did it from barrier 12, stepping up and certainly not embarrassing himself after a respective win and runner-up at Group 3 and Group 2 level in the TS Carlyon Cup and Blamey Stakes.
“We were super happy with his run. If he got a better draw he probably would’ve finished closer,” Dalziel told HorseBetting.com.au.
All Star Mile (Moonee Valley 1600m) Race Replay – Mr Brightside (1st)
It has been a lengthy, spaced-out preparation, but a good one for Pounding, who has also saluted at Benchmark 78, 84 and 100 level all over a mile from September 3 last year.
His TS Carlyon Cup triumph on February 11 was his third in a row.
Moody then mentioned post-race how delighted he was with his progression, and that Pounding could have easily ended up at a tried horse sale if he did not persist with him to try and find good ground.
Indeed, a man of Moody’s immense racing knowledge and experience understands that persistence pays in such a competitive industry.
Just as importantly, Pounding has not shown any signs of fatigue over his big 12-start preparation.
As a result, he will go into his weekend assignment a $19 winning chance across betting sites.
“He’s proven he’s a pretty good horse and he’s up to that quality of horses,” Dalziel said.
“(The barrier) shouldn’t be a drama. He’s nine of 16. It’s a much better draw which should suit him nicely.
“He’s had a great preparation and been up for a long time. He’s proving that he’s handling it all.”
Dalziel said Pounding – with Luke Nolen set for the ride – said his hardened middle-distance runner was set for more Group 1s after Saturday.
But that could be after a well-deserved spell for the gelding with seven wins from 25 starts, and over $712,000 in career prizemoney.
“He definitely warrants being among this company,” Dalziel said.
“He suggested last start that he should probably be treated like a serious horse now.
“So he’ll have a crack, and I’d say he’d have a break after this.
“But we’ll make those decisions on a race day, as they say.”
Meanwhile, Dalziel said emerging runners Gates and Charm Me had bright futures ahead.
Gates was a $950,000 Magic Millions purchase last year, by legendary British stallion Frankel and out of Bellwether.
“He’s in work now, and he was always going to be a long-term prospect,” Dalziel said.
“He’s back in full work with Peter Moody now. I haven’t got a gauge on him yet.”
And Charm Me won by half a length on debut in a maiden over 1000m at Yarra Valley on February 25.
She then finished sixth at Benchmark 64 level at Sandown on March 15.
“She’s a nice filly with good ability. She doesn’t have the soundest set of knees on her,” Dalziel said.
Pounding’s Odds In Group 1 Australian Cup
Flemington Race 7 – 
#11 Pounding (9)
4yo Gelding | T: Peter Moody | J: Luke Nolen (59kg)
$19 with Neds
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