
Talented four-year-old Stockman’s Choice showed his great heart in winning on Cup day at Gawler on Friday, October 23.
Stockman’s Choice made it two wins in a row this preparation with an all-the-way victory in the L J Hooker Property Specialists Gawler & Barossa Class One Handicap (1200m).
Trained by Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor and ridden by Jackson Murphy, the four-year-old, a $9 chance, found the front from gate four and withstood all challenges over the final 400 metres to win by three-quarters of a length from Shamus In Pontivy ($12) with Torrita ($10) a head away third.
The gelding looked under pressure turning for home as rivals queued up to challenge, but he responded to Murphy’s urgings to hold them off all the way up the straight.
Trainer Aaron Bain said Stockman’s Choice had done a great job to score carrying his weight of 60.5kg
“He has taken a long time to mature,” Bain said.
“He is a brother to Shootoose which we raced and Donna and Eddie who came to ABR through him have a share in the ownership and flew over from Melbourne to see the win.
“He showed a lot of heart today. He’s led and the was the way the track was playing and credit to Jackson (Murphy) for the ride.
“We did tell him to lead but he took the initiative and it paid off.
“Stockman’s Choice was the first horse purchased by the late Col McKenna to race with us. He got a lot of his workers from Midfield Meats to become involved in the ownership.
When Col passed his share was sold but his son Brett in still in the ownership, Cameron Beer from Midfield Meats increased his share, David Beer is also here today.
“We race Stockman’s Choice in Colin’s honour.”
Winning jockey Jackson Murphy said Stockman’s Choice had been very brave.
“He was really good today,” Murphy said.
“Once the favourite was scratched this morning I didn’t feel there was a lot of speed so when he jumped so well I took it up.
“I didn’t necessarily want to lead because I thought he would be a bit new and green in front.
“When he was headed on the home turn he fought back and put them away.
“I think Stockman’s Choice is really going to improve when he learns how to race, and I believe he will be even better over 1400 and 1600 metres.”