JAKE Hull has a couple of “six footers” – and they have helped him reach greater heights.
The former jockey’s victory at Newcastle on Saturday with Six Foot Song was his 10th in only his second season of training, bettering his eight winners in his debut 2022-23 racing year.
Given a beaut ride by Jeff Penza, Six Foot Song ($9) took the Provincial Benchmark 68 Handicap (1890m) from Wyong’s Magicon ($6) and Newcastle’s Rothrock ($14).
Hull’s major client John O’Connor transferred both Six Foot Song and Sixfootone to him last year from South Australian trainer John Macmillan, who purchased both now five-year-olds by the same stallion (Toronado) at the 2020 Magic Millions Adelaide yearling sale for $20,000 and $50,000 respectively.
Whilst both were winners in SA, Hull has added to their records, winning another three races with the pair.
Sixfootone won twice at Taree last year and also was placed at Tamworth and Muswellbrook, and Six Foot Song was having only his second start for his new trainer when successful at Newcastle.
All Six Foot Song’s three wins in his former State were at 1800m, so it was no surprise that he hit the right note again at his pet distance.
“I gave him three trials before kicking him off at 1500m at Newcastle three weeks ago when he ran fifth to Sonofdec (who scored again at the Scone metropolitan meeting last Saturday),” Hull said.
“It was a terrific performance as he drew near the outside, and came from well back to be beaten less than a length.
“I was pretty confident we had done enough work with Six Foot Song to have him ready to step up to the extra distance.
“He had improved a heck of a lot from that first start for me.
“Jeff rode him patiently and didn’t panic. You can’t beat experience.”
Hull feels Six Foot Song will manage further, and will look to find a similar race for his next start, and naturally keep Penza aboard.
Hull has 35 horses in work, and is understandably pleased to have already bettered his first season’s performance.
“I’ve got good support, and the aim is to keep improving,” he said.
“I’m thrilled to have been able to better our eight winners in the first season, and this season is by no means over either.”
Hull has Sixfootone back in work, and says he is about a month away from beginning another campaign with him.
. HOOFNOTE: Hull was sure to praise both Six Foot Song and Sixfootone’s previous trainer John Macmillan.
“John is a very good trainer, and sent both horses to me in great order,” he said.
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Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker knows all about winning with the progeny of So You Think, having won three Group 1s with his now retired $8.5m earner Think It Over.
So he hasn’t wasted time getting another son of the stallion and recent acquisition into the winning list.
At only his third start for him and following a game second at Newcastle on May 9, four-year-old gelding So Sleek ($1.60 favorite) returned to the track today to clinch his first NSW victory in the John Whitmore Memorial Class 1/Maiden Plate (2340m).
So Sleek was placed at both Flemington (2000m) and Sandown (1800m) before joining Parker’s stable.
Story John Curtis, May 25, 2024 - Pics Bradley Photos