Optimal stole a break on his rivals from the start to lead all the way and win the Slickpix Handicap at Pakenham last week. By Brad Kingsbury
PAKENHAM trainer Giuseppe Alati confirmed that former Lloyd Williams galloper Optimal would be entered for the Pakenham Cup after its all-the-way win in the $12,000 Slickpix Handicap at the track last week.
Alati, part owner of the lightly raced four-year-old which he purchased at the sales last year, was not surprised by the result over the 1770-metre race and said he believed that his horse would be competitive if it sneaked into the Cup, run over the same distance.
“He’s got potential and he’s just starting to mature in himself,” he said.
“I’m real happy with him and I think there’s better to come. If we can get into the Pakenham Cup we’ll have a crack at that. Why not? He gets around here alright and it’s his home track.”
The former Brisbane trainer transferred to Pakenham just 12 months ago and enjoys the atmosphere.
“I love it here. The horse loves it here, too, and I wouldn’t want to train anywhere else,” he said.
Optimal saluted at $12 and was ridden perfectly by Kane Bradley, crossing the field from barrier 16 in the straight the first time, and dictating terms for the rest of the journey.
That was the only joy for Pakenham-based trainers on the day, however Cranbourne mentors Barry Barnes and Shaun Quigley also prepared winners on the day.
The next meeting at the track will feature the club’s annual showcase event the $100,000 Peet Pakenham Cup on Sunday 1 March.
