The Gary Portelli-trained Single Bullet failed to fire as an odds-on favourite in the opening event at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
Colesberg spoils the party for odds-on favourite punters in the opener at Warwick Farm. Photo: Steve Hart
“He worked himself up before the race then wanted to race too keenly,” Portelli said.
The Not A Single Doubt colt, sent to the post a $1.60 favourite, was expected to prove too good for a small field in the Happy 2017 2YO Handicap (1200m) on the back of a slashing debut second in the Wyong Magic Millions 2YO behind Madeenaty.
But once again Single Bullet had to settle for runner-up, gunned down by the David Payne-trained first starter Colesberg ($26).
Ridden by Blake Shinn, Colesberg bided its time out the back before sweeping down the outside to score by three-quarters-of-a-length.
“He’ll be better over 1400 or 1600 metres,” Shinn said.
“He was very strong to the line, really attacked the line with gusto and handled the ground well.”
Colseberg’s Rosehill-based trainer has high aspirations for the $130,000 son of Congrats.
“He’s going to be a nice Champagne (Stakes) horse,” Payne said.
“He’s always had the ability which he showed in his trial the other day. The rain came and I think that made the difference.”
The Bruce Johnson-trained Callmetrouble ($13) was beaten 1-3/4 lengths into third.
racenet