It’s amazing how some horses display a specific pattern of good performances. Some horses need racing to bring them on in fitness, and more so if they are better suited to distance races of course. Some horses peak at their second run after a spell, and some, like GETEMHEL, display their true ability at their first run for a campaign.
Yet again this time around, Getemhel won impressively first up after a lengthy spell – some of which was forced upon her due to a couple of niggling complaints. Credit goes to the connections for their persistence and patience, and of course to the team at Flemington and our veterinary, physio and farrier partners.
Form students will have noticed Getemhel’s previous two campaigns where she won first up, both at Geelong over 1100m on a soft track.
On Sunday, again at Geelong over a similar distance (1140m) and again on a soft surface, Getemhel was “in the market” but considered handy odds at $8. After some impressive jump out performances at Flemington, something we are accustomed to seeing, Nigel, Managing Owner Ian Lewis and connections in Australia and New Zealand went to Geelong feeling confident of a good performance at least.
Rather than settling near the lead though, as per her previous wins, Michael Dee found himself is a nice position, 3rd off the fence. Michael is riding in really good form and clearly displayed his ability to rate and settle his horse, but maintain a positive position in running.
From the 600m he angled out and made a run towards the centre of the track in the ground considered superior. Getemhel did the rest to win comfortably.
That was Getemhel’s third victory. It is fair to say we thought she would have won a few more by now, such is her talent. But the afore-mentioned niggling problems (especially when she nicks her fetlock in running), has caused a touch of frustration for all concerned. But we are thrilled to have given her the time and care she deserves, and thank connections for that support. Well done.