Regimental Pride enjoyed a modest record and was purchased relatively cheaply but he is proving to be an astute pick-up for trainer, Mark Bairstow and prominent Bunbury owner, Mark Bayliss.
Regimental Pride won two races in Sydney for David Payne but it was a Melbourne run when under the guidance of Stephen Brown that captured the attention of Bairstow and Bayliss.
The gelding finished ninth of 14 to Long John in the Listed Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and was placed just two spots behind Shamus Award.
Shamus Award later progressed to win the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley and Long John took out the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
“They were unknown horses at the time but the form line is enormous,” said Bayliss.
“Regimental Pride attacked the line and I thought it was a reasonable effort.
“He is by More Than Ready and they can usually take time to mature.
“That suits Mark’s training style as he is patient and doesn’t rush or push them.
“He was a $150,000 yearling and as long as he stays sound I think at $16,000 he is a cheap buy.”
Regimental Pride has earned $57,350 in stake earnings since he joined Bairstow’s stable in June.
He has raced on eight occasions for three wins and two minor placings with the bulk of the prize purse collected in Sunday’s Northam Challenge Series Final (1400m).
The four-year-old settled back of a strong speed and charged home from seventh position to give apprentice Lucy Warwick the third leg of a riding treble.
“Now that he has learnt to settle and relax he can finish off his races strongly,” said Bairstow.
“His form has been terrific and I’m confident there is scope for further improvement.
“I definitely believe he has the capacity to step up and win a Saturday race in Perth.”
Bairstow is hopeful Regimental Pride can launch an exciting few months for his stable.
He is eager to unveil several new gallopers and is particularly keen on an unraced three-year-old by Lonhro.
“He is a half-brother to Grand Nirvana who has shown us a fair bit,” said Bairstow.
“He went shin sore last preparation and is coming back from a good spell.
“He is still young but is coming along nicely.”
“He has to produce it on the race track but I like what I have seen.”
Julio Santarelli: RWWA