Regal Ripper Storms Home in Thrilling Morphettville Victory

Regal Ripper on the Rise: A Gutsy Morphettville Win

Regal Ripper has taken another important step forward, producing a determined late finish to claim a thrilling Class 2 victory at Morphettville.

Coming into Saturday’s 1544-metre Croser Handicap, we knew Regal Ripper had developed into a horse who doesn’t need to be involved in the early speed battle.

In fact, quite the opposite.

His recent performances had suggested that he was at his best when allowed to find his rhythm, conserve his energy early and gradually build through his gears.

With Barrier 13 to overcome, there was certainly no easy passage available.

But that awkward draw may ultimately have helped dictate the right race for him.

Rather than being forced to use valuable energy early, Regal Ripper was able to settle towards the rear of the field and travel comfortably.

And as the race progressed, the confidence started to build.

The Race Unfolds

The early stages saw the field spread over a considerable distance, with Regal Ripper settling towards the back of the pack.

At the 600-metre mark, he was still well behind the leaders.

But importantly, he was travelling comfortably.

As the field turned for home, Noel Callow began to build his momentum and Regal Ripper started to work through the field.

At the 225-metre mark, the race suddenly opened up.

Regal Ripper was charging late.

He swept past his rivals and locked horns with Paganini in the closing stages, with the pair fighting right to the line.

It was a genuine dogfight.

And when the photo came up, Regal Ripper had his head down at exactly the right moment.

A Win That Validated the Form

What made the performance particularly pleasing was how closely it followed the blueprint we had identified before the race.

We believed the key was allowing Regal Ripper to settle, conserve his energy and produce one sustained effort through the latter stages.

That’s exactly what happened.

We also felt the step up from 1400 metres to 1544 metres could bring about further improvement.

His previous run had been encouraging, particularly the way he continued to work through the line, and there was every indication that additional ground would suit him as his fitness and maturity developed.

Saturday’s performance reinforced that belief.

He was still charging through the line at the finish, and importantly, he had to produce a sustained effort rather than simply sprinting for a short distance.

That is an encouraging sign for his future.

An Improving Racehorse

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Regal Ripper’s victory isn’t simply that he has now won a Class 2.

It is the way he is improving.

With each run this preparation, he has continued to give us more information about the horse he is becoming.

He is learning to settle.

He is learning to race.

He is becoming stronger and more effective over a longer distance.

And he is showing the determination required to win competitive races.

These are all important ingredients in a progressive racehorse.

There is also every reason to believe that he hasn’t reached his ceiling yet.

Regal Ripper is continuing to develop physically and mentally, and the more racing experience he gains, the better he appears to be becoming.

A Fantastic Training Performance

Credit must go to Kerrin and the entire Stokes team, who had Regal Ripper in terrific order.

The horse had trained on well following his previous run, maintained his fitness and presented in excellent condition.

The team has continued to take the right approach with him, allowing his development to happen naturally rather than rushing him.

That patience is now being rewarded on the racetrack.

And Noel Callow deserves enormous credit for his ride.

From the wide barrier, he resisted the temptation to chase the speed early and instead allowed Regal Ripper to settle and conserve his energy.

He then produced him at exactly the right time.

It was a patient, confident and beautifully timed ride.

Regal Ripper is a horse on the rise.

Saturday’s victory wasn’t simply a win on the record.

It was another important piece of evidence that this horse is continuing to progress and that there could be considerably more to come.

For his owners, these are the moments that make racehorse ownership so rewarding.

You can watch Regal Ripper’s win on Morphettville here.