"The speedy four-year-old by O'Lonhro takes over - the bird has flown - Big Reel in a cake-walk," - the words of caller Adam Olszanski as Big Reel raced away to a stunning victory at Geelong on Friday.
Having his first run since early May, the Mervyn McKenzie trained four-year-old was impressive saluting by a soft 3 1/2 lengths from last start winner Roycey and the city placed Military.
Whilst always having a good
opinion of the horse who he is confident can measure up at metropolitan level,
McKenzie admits that he was not expecting such a bold first up showing.
"He has been going well but I thought he would want the run," he said.
"I expected he would be there till about the half furlong but he surprised me - he was very impressive."
Jockey Jason Benbow was also excited by the win, telling McKenzie that "he was never going to lose."
A horse who has always shown plenty of ability, winning his maiden by four lengths at Warrnambool in February, Big Reel has pleased his trainer with his progress this time in.
"He has been ripping and tearing around his paddock the last couple of weeks, he feels good!"
Big Reel's sire O'Lonhro has been in terrific form of late with his progeny who are coming back for their second campaigns showing exciting improvement.
"O'Lonhro progressed from a maiden and a city win in his first preparation to being a Group horse in his second," Larneuk Stud's Neville Murdoch said, "so it is no surprise to see that his sons and daughters are improvers."
"Enough of them showed early ability to have us excited and we are thrilled with the way they are progressing," he said - happy to have cheered on his own impressive O'Lonhro winner, Little Capri also a city prospect on the back of his two length victory at Seymour recently.
For further information on O'Lonhro who stands this spring at a great value fee of $5500 (incl gst) contact Neville Murdoch on0418 105 706.
