After guiding Siotada to a strong victory in the heats of the Gilgandra Windmill (1720m) heats on Wednesday night, Michael Munro was unsure how to break some disappointing news to trainer Steve Jones.
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Munro has been the regular driver for Jones and has seen the four-year-old gelding go from strength to strength.
On Wednesday at Dubbo Paceway, Siotada produced an eye-catching performance in the Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic-sponsored qualifier to stamp himself as an early favourite for the December 3 final.
Unfortunately for Munro, he won’t be around on that date.
“I’m not going to be here for the final. I’ll be in Perth and I don’t know what he (Jones) is going to do,” Munro laughed immediately after the win.
“I haven’t broken that to him yet.”
Siotada now has five wins from 26 starts but three of those victories have come in his past four starts.
Wednesday’s win was arguably one of his best as Munro launched a raid down the back straight in the final lap and then cruised to a 6.5m victory in an impressive milerate of 1:58:5.
Starting from gate eight as a $3.40 chance, plenty was expected of Siotada and also the pre-race favourite, Regal Ashes ($3.10).
Jogalong Dee ($4), trained at Dubbo by Brad Peisley, led early and took the field past the post when the bell rang.
Siotada, who had been sitting midfield early on, was pushed forward down the back straight and got to the lead with ease.
Others made a move but it was too late as Munro eased to the win from Flyingretna ($10.40) while Jogalong Dee hung on for third.
“He was always travelling like a winner and on paper he looked like a winner, on form he looked the winner and I just drove him like he was the winner,” Munro said.
He’s flying, this little horse, and he’s loving his racing at the moment.
- Michael Munro on Siotada
“He did all the work and I just had to sit on him so it was a pretty easy job today.
“Steve has got him flying. He’s still lightly raced and he’s learning and he’s doing an excellent job. He’s got a bit of a future, this horse.
“He loves Steve and Steve loves him and they’ve gelled and they’re flying now.”
While disappointed he won’t be in the gig for the final, Munro stated whoever took the reins would be in with a strong chance.
There were three heats of the series, which is sponsored by businesses from Gilgandra, contested on Wednesday.
“There’s something to work with. He’s flying, this little horse, and he’s loving his racing at the moment so only bad luck a a bad draw could hurt,” Munro said.
“There will be some stronger horses but he’s a good chance.”
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
