Only 12 days earlier the NSW Tycoons were cheering when Northern Eyes broke his Maiden in spectacular fashion storming home by 3 lengths, trainer Kim Waugh adopting the old “if it ain’t broke” theory and heading back for a Class 1.
Winning is never easy, but do not underestimate just how hard it is for a horse to break its Maiden and then win at its very next start.
When betting opened Kervette from the Kristen Buchanan yard went up as favourite and was coming off a super impressive win at Wyong where it circled the field and won easily. But as race time loomed large on Tuesday the smart money was for the Tycoons horse with Northern Eyes firming into $2.20 favourite.
Thankfully punters got it right with Northern Eyes saluting.
It’s always a good thing to have an inform and confident jockey being legged up on your horse and that was the case for Jay Ford.
Jay is riding in great touch and had ridden the two previous winners at Hawkesbury when sent out on Northern Eyes, including his first winner of the day, Mogul Monarch for Kim.
Going for the hat-trick added that bit of extra pressure for the owners, probably more so than Jay but he rode a very confident race on Northern Eyes.
“Thanks, it’s always nice to ride a few winners.
“That win was very different from the other day, he jumped very sharp. I was happy to lead but didn’t want to get into a speed battle with horses that didn’t have much chance.
“”He travelled so well but it did take a bit of riding to get him going again. I loved his resilience. He was there to be beaten but he was strong late and that’s a great asset to have” Jay Ford said.
Northern Eyes has now had the 3 starts for the NSW Tycoons starting with a very encouraging fourth before posting the two wins at Hawkesbury.
Jay and Kim agree that Northern Eyes is a better horse when allowed to roll along.
“He’s going to continue going through the grades, he’s going to enjoy just rolling along but it’s not every day you get that in races so the versatility today was good, he’s going great guns,” Ford concluded.
Trainer Kim Waugh was also happy with the versatility shown by Northern Eyes.
“I thought that was a great effort today, because he got back, and relaxed beautifully, he copped a couple of bumps but got himself balanced again and finished off nicely.
“I think he’s a horse that’s going to keep on improving next prep, like plenty of Zoustar’s do, they can take a bit of time,” Kim added.
While Northern Eye’s two wins have been at 1300m, I reckon most owners will agree that a step up to 1400m or 1500m next start would be ideal still at the Provincial level and as Jay Ford did point out he’s got some form around the Mile mark.
Kim will have a look at the schedule but there is a Benchmark 68 over 1500m at Newcastle on August 29 which may be of interest, then maybe step up to a Midway on a Saturday at either Randwick or Rosehill. Now that would be cool.
But in racing it never pays to get ahead of yourself.
