Benalla Cup Day has always been a favourite for Mitch who remembers strapping runners on the day in the earlier stages of his racing career. And he has always been aware that The Weary Dunlop, named of course after a local icon, has been a very good race won by nice types of sprinters – which is why he was particularly thrilled to cheer Bravo Tango on to success in that race on Friday.
Having just his second run back from a spell, the talented five-year-old settled well off the pace for Billy Egan – suited by the way the race was run, always travelling well.
Into the clear early in the straight, Bravo Tango put his good turn of foot on display as he charged to the line to win by 3/4 length; the fifth success of his 15 start career – increasing his prize money tally to beyond $170,000.
Despite his achievements, we have still not see the best of what this horse has to offer with immaturity issues plaguing him early in his career – “they held him back from winning a nice race,” Mitch said.
But there is still time and there are a few races over the spring likely to suit with Mitch confident that he will be at his best over 1400m on the back of this latest win over 1200m.
Not having the best of luck from a tricky gate when resuming -“things just didn’t work out for him and ended up getting too far out of his ground”- Bravo Tango had more in his favour from barrier five at Benalla and the good speed in the race ensured a good run in transit.
Mitch was happy with Billy Egan’s ride on the bay, noting that he has to be ridden in a particular way – “riders have to stand over him a bit, otherwise he floats out the back and can get a bit complacent. But today he was nicely onto the bridle early, he found a good spot and was travelling strongly throughout.”
“We had been pretty firm on him at home since his first up run and he relished that, he had come on really well. There is still good improvement to come however.”
