Progressive Gelding Targets Hawkesbury Success
The Nathan Doyle-trained Just Response is set to continue his winning form as he heads to Hawkesbury aiming for consecutive victories. The promising three-year-old gelding arrives with ideal barrier conditions and improving race manners that could prove decisive in his campaign.
Building Momentum
Just Response demonstrated his potential with a commanding performance at Gosford on November 11, securing a near two-length victory over Harry's Halo. This followed a solid second-place finish at Scone in his first-up run, where he was beaten as favourite by Regal Problem after racing keenly when taken on in front.
David Dyson, racing manager for Nathan Doyle, emphasized the horse's developing capabilities. "He is a work in progress and will continue to improve with racing," Dyson stated. "It was a pretty decent race at Scone and the winner goes fairly well. Just Response was taken on in front by a $201 shot which left him vulnerable."
Ideal Conditions for Success
The son of Justify has received an ideal barrier draw for the Elite Sand & Soil Class 1 Handicap (1300m), drawing the pole position. This advantageous starting point allows jockey options to position the naturally fast horse optimally without excessive pressure.
"He has drawn the pole in this race so he will just bounce and put himself in a forward spot," Dyson explained. "He doesn't have to lead but he's got the natural speed to lead without putting pressure to him to do it. That's the beauty of him - he's a naturally fast horse and you can use it to your advantage."
The team has noted significant improvement in the gelding's race manners since his first-up performance, with Dyson adding: "He showed some improvement that day where he settled a bit better and hopefully he improves that step again for this week's race."
Stablemates Join Hawkesbury Campaign
Doyle will saddle up three strong chances at the Hawkesbury meeting, including former Victorian filly Tetsu Belle, who makes her stable debut in the Irresistible Pools & Spas Provincial Maiden Plate (1100m). The three-year-old daughter of Deep Field has impressed in recent barrier trials, prompting market support that saw her odds shorten from $7 to $5 when markets opened.
"They have been very sharp trials but we will learn a lot more about her from this run," Dyson commented regarding Tetsu Belle's prospects. "It's her first go the New South Wales way obviously but she has trialled like she will handle it."
Completing Doyle's trio is Iron Fury, who enters the Clarendon Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m) with conditions favouring a improved performance. Dyson noted the gelding's first-up effort where he had no luck before a respectable fourth at Port Macquarie last start.
"I think third-up, rock hard fit, he gets Shannen's claim again and she rides him a lot in work, he will improve off his last run," Dyson expressed confidently.
Local Hope Missie Lee Faces Tough Test
Blake Ryan's consistent mare Missie Lee steps up in grade and weight for the Pioneer Services Handicap (1100m), carrying 58.5kg against tougher competition. The four-year-old boasts an impressive record of one win and six placings from nine starts, demonstrating remarkable consistency.
Her latest performance saw her close strongly from last under 56.5kg to finish a two-length second behind Calga Power in a Class 1 at Gosford on November 11. Ryan praised his charge's reliability, stating: "She is really honest and genuine. She is a limited mare but just tries so hard."
Ryan also saddles up new stable addition Baby Hazel in the same race, with the four-year-old Extreme Choice daughter showing promise in recent barrier trial work at Hawkesbury on November 17.
With ideal draws, improving form, and strategic advantages, the Hawkesbury meeting promises exciting racing action as these progressive horses seek to take their careers to the next level.
