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The Tiger Claws Way to Geelong Classic Win - 10-23-08
October 23 - Although the town of Geelong in Victoria, Australia sounds like a quirky character from a Star Wars film, it is home to Geelong Racecourse which has hosted top class horseracing action since 1908 and yesterday (Wednesday) was no exception, in the form of the Geelong Classic which was won by The Tiger.
As the feature race of Saturday's race card, the 2206m Geelong Classic attracted a field of 'heavy hitters' including the three-year-old son of Catbird, The Tiger, who in his short career has earned a reputation as something of a stayer. Lightly raced by his trainers Colin and Cindy Alderson, he looked to be in top form.
After the Geelong Classic got underway, it soon became clear that The Tiger was very much in top form as he quickly took command of the race under the tight control of jockey Rhys McLeod. By the top of straight The Tiger looked set for victory as McLeod lengthened the runner's lead to win the race by 2 3/4 lengths.
Said Cindy Alderson after the race, 'We are very pleased with the way The Tiger ran considering this was only his seventh career start. While he has always tended to be a little one-paced we had a good feeling that he would stay in today's race and sure enough he did. Now we'll get him ready for the Victoria Derby.'
According to his trainers, the gelding has always been earmarked for the Victoria Derby on Saturday November 1st, as one of Australia's foremost Gr 1 races. It is run each year on the first day of the annual Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, and is open to 3-year-old thoroughbreds and older.
'The Tiger hasn't got the best turn of foot but if he can keep punching along in the Victoria Derby like he did today, I have no doubt that he'll give them a good run for their money. We are also very happy with the way Rhys is riding him. He knew what he had beneath him today and kicked away well at the corner,' she said.
McLeod admitted that he had a scary moment aboard The Tiger in the Geelong Classic when the gelding knuckled just as the starting gates opened. However, he was able to recover quickly and get The Tiger rapidly up to speed. 'It was a solid win and he stayed well. I reckon he's right in it (the Derby),' said McLeod.
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