Express Path to Winner’s Circle
Express Pass winning first up at Bendigo.
Story by Todd Blum.
Express Racing’s flagship horse Express Pass was back at the races last wednesday when contesting the Thank You Gerry Ryan Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1100m at Bendigo.
It was his first run back after a let-up which followed two runs earlier in the Autumn culminating in a second first-up at Flemington in February and a fifth after that at Caulfield in the Group 3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m).
“He had an off day in the Zeditave. Then shortly after that run had a mishap which forced us to give him a good spell. We have been focused on getting the horse ready for the Spring as a four-year-old and we think there are some nice races there for him, particularly early on.” trainer Nick Ryan said.
“We’ve always liked this horse though and that’s why we went on the Caulfield Guineas path with him last spring. We learnt a lot from that prep, he is more of a short course type and there are some nice sprint races for him in the late winter, early spring.”
Express Pass is the first horse that was syndicated by Boutique operation Express Racing and he has been an excellent representation of the organisation so far.
“We couldn’t have asked for much more from a first horse I mean he took us to the Caulfield Guineas and the owners have had some really good fun in him so far and I think they are going to have a lot more as Nick is very happy with the horse and with the win today he looks to have a good foundation for the following months,” said Darcy Judd.
“He was stakes-placed as a juvenile so we know he has the ability and it was a real focus when I started Express racing to have quality over quantity and this bloke certainly fits that mould.
“As for the preparation, we will largely leave that to Nick as he knows the horse so well and the stable is in excellent form himself as of late so we are rapt to be a part of the stable.”
Express Pass is by Newgate resident Wandjina and was a $38,000 Inglis Vobis Gold Yearling and with this win his prize money goes to $85,175 with two wins from eight starts with a further three placings.