MICHAEL Towers was excited to see what Premier Joy would bring to the table in Wednesday night’s NSW Breeders Challenge 3YO Colts and Geldings Regional Semi-Final at Bathurst.
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Hopes were high for the Michael Doltoff-trained colt given he had produced a big sprint for a runner-up result at Menangle in his previous start.
In his Bathurst trip Towers got the drive he was hoping for on Premier Joy ($5.70).
He got to the lead early, snared a couple of easier early quarters and blasted home in a final quarter of 27.5 seconds to hold off odds-on favourite Maximus Red ($1.70).
Towers said if Premier Joy could replicate his turn of foot from the previous start he was always going to be a great chance.
“Once we got the easy sections up front early he’s always got a good sprint on him. He flew home at Menangle the other day so once he got away with that he was always going to get home quick,” he said.
“If we can draw the front for the final and get in close so we can find the top then we should go alright. He can sit and dash though so no matter which way you drive him he can always finish off.”
Premier Joy got out strongly in the semi-final but watched Threes A Charm fly into the early lead.
With only a little extra encouragement Premier Joy worked his way to the front.
Early moves came through second row starters Maximus Red and Squire.
Squire had trailed up behind the race favourite and peeled out wider to get into the death seat.
Maximus Red took the sit behind Squire and Lexus With A View was third in the outside line.
All runners’ positions remained static until the final bend.
Maximus Red loomed large with the three wide move while Premier Joy and Squire continued to go stride for stride out in front.
Maximus Red managed to draw level with Squire but Premier Joy got out to a small five metre break.
The favourite chipped away a little at the margin but inside the final 50m Premier Joy had plenty of energy left to hold off the challenge.
Premier Joy, a former Evolution Series Final winner, won the Bathurst race in a mile rate of 1:56.2.
Lexus With A View ($8.80) had trailed up behind Maximus Red on the bend for home and finished his race off well to pip Squire for third place.
The semi-final was a great showcase of Somebeachsomewhere’s produce.
The renowned American champion, who died earlier this year, sired three of the top four finishers, including the winner.
