ALSO AT TOWONG
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VETERAN jockey Robbie Beattie savoured his first Towong Cup success when He’s An Angel stormed to a record-breaking win in the $15,000 feature on Saturday.
Beattie has being making the trek to the high country club for close to three decades and was thrilled to finally snare Towong’s premier race for the first time.
“I’ve been going up there for about 30 years but it’s proven to be an elusive race for me,” Beattie said.
“It’s just one of those cups I haven’t been able to get hold of.
“The closest I’ve been previously was second on Flagstaff two years ago.
“I think I have run about three seconds in the race, so it’s nice to finally win one after going up there for so long.”
He’s An Angel ($3.60) is trained by Brian Cox, who last won the Towong feature in 2006 with Only A Dream.
The nine-year-old gelding stalked early leader Lughaat until turning for home and unleashed a powerful finishing burst in the straight to defeat Ready Zuca ($8) by 1¼ lengths.
Race favourite Lexical Ambiguity ($3) was a length further back in third with the race run in track record time.
“It was a bit surprising to see the old fella smashed the track record,” Beattie said.
“He is just a good old honest campaigner and gives you 100 per cent every time he steps out onto the track.
“He is one of those horses where you just love feeding him and is a joy to have around the stable.
“I don’t know how many more races he has got left in him but he will tell us when he’s had enough.”
He’s An Angel won the Dederang Cup in January and has also raced competitively in the Albury, Wagga, Wangaratta and Corowa cups over his career.
The son of Jeune has the handy record of 73 starts for 11 wins, 12 minor placings and almost $190,000 in prizemoney.
Beattie said he was unsure where He’s An Angel would head next.
“I wouldn’t have the faintest,” he said.
“I’ve got a motto with Brian.
“I just go to work, do my job and get put on what he wants me to ride.
“It’s that simple.”
Cox claimed the training honours at the meeting with a double after Club Zero saluted earlier in the day.
Wodonga jockey Nick Souquet also landed a double aboard Brigadoon Mist and Prairie Sun.
