THERE’S no need to ask Joe Ible what is his favorite Sydney racetrack?
The Kembla Grange trainer won his fourth city race yesterday – and all have been at Rosehill Gardens.
Ible watched from the Gold Coast, where he is seeking to add to his team when Book 2 of the Magic Millions yearling sale kicks off tomorrow, as Patrika Mist ($13) added to her record by leading throughout in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1500m).
Last season’s Sydney apprentice’s champion Zac Lloyd took up the running on the grey daughter of Smart Missile, who gave her rivals no chance, comfortably defeating $2.80 favorite Jumeirah Beach and Newcastle trainer Jason Deamer’s Decadent Tale ($9).
Then based at Canberra before relocating to Kembla Grange in 2021, Ible’s maiden city success was with Seeblume (Hugh Bowman), who also scored over the same course as Patrika Mist, but in a Highway Handicap on September 22, 2018 at $8.50.
He has subsequently scored with Zoffany’s Lad (Sam Clipperton) in a Benchmark 78 Handicap (1900m) on March 14, 2020 at $13, and Sepulchre (Rachel King) in a Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (2000m) on November 27, 2021 at $26.
It’s not often a trainer changes gear on a horse after a last start victory, but Ible did exactly that yesterday – and it worked.
Patrika Mist had carried 58kg to land a Provincial Benchmark 68 Handicap (1600m) for Louise Day on her home track on December 30 on a “Heavy 10”, and he added winkers for her Rosehill assignment.
“She has always needed them,” Ible explained.
“It’s been a matter of holding off putting them on, and going to town was the right time to do it.
“It was grand final day.”
Ible was especially pleased to clinch a city victory with Patrika Mist for Tumut owner Paul Sturt, who races under his Sturt Thoroughbreds banner.
“Patrika Mist was the first horse Paul gave me to train, and now I’ve got a few for him,” he said.
“I have always felt this mare had the ability to measure up in town.
“Patrika Mist won a 1200m Maiden at Wagga in March, 2022 as a three-year-old at only her second start, and won three in a row 12 months ago at Canberra (1400m), Sapphire Coast (1600m) and Gosford (1600m).
“We have looked after her and she is putting together a very nice record.
“She has now won six races from only 17 starts, and I’m sure there is more to come.”
Ible’s Rosehill triumph was his eighth of the current season following on from 20 the previous season, and took his career tally to 112.
*Story John Curtis, January 14, 2024 - Pics Bradley Photos*
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