The wet track was no worry for Darryl Hansen’s three-year-old filly Pennino, who raced away down the straight to claim the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) in torrential rain.
With original race-favourite Zoustyle scratched right before the jump, Pennino firmed into $10.00 while most punters flocked towards the Chris Munce trained Boomsara.
The wet track did nobody any favours, but in a small field of seven, Pennino kicked home nicely over the final furlong to win by a length.
Punters swarmed on Boomsara following Zoustyle’s scratching, only to be left disappointed as the Gold Coast specialist ran last. Photo Credit: Steve Hart.
“Love this horse, she’s so consistent, she’s underrated, and everybody forgets about her in races like this” Hansen said after the race.
Despite entering the race winless in five career starts, Pennino had wet track form under her belt having raced on a Heavy 10 at Doomben a fortnight prior. The run under her belt proved the difference in the end, while Hansen its he was happy to see the skies open up right before the race.
“She gets through the heavy, when it kept raining, we were pretty happy.
“Everyone was hoping it would rain and we got it. She’s so consistent, she’s a stakes winner and now she’s a Group 3 winner” Hansen said.
Last year’s Gold Coast Guineas winner Champagne Cuddles went on to run third in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Doomben a month later. Hansen said after the race he had the Queensland Oaks in mind, but isn’t ready to make a decision on Pennino’s future just yet.
“We’ll just play it day by day. I was going to aim her at the Oaks, but that went out the wayside. We’ll just weight up now, let the dust settle and see where we go next.”
Boomsara, who firmed into $2.30 right before the jump, was swallowed up down the straight going on to run last. Second place-getter Defence Missile ran home strongly, while Poet’s Landing struggled from the widest part of the track.
