Trust In A Gust Prevails in Rupert Clarke
Description:
Trust In A Gust denied multiple group I winner Dissident victory by a flared nostril after a rousing stretch duel in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (Aus-I) Sept. 28 at Caulfield
The connections of the winner had to wait out a stewards' inquiry before they could celebrate the victory, however, as Dissident's rider, Ben Melham, lodged a claim of interference.
Melham alleged that Trust In A Gust came over on Dissident 200 meters after the start, causing a loss of position. Trust In A Gust's rider, Damian Lane, said his mount was forced into Dissident by last-place finisher Sisteen Demon, ridden by Brenton Avdulla. Stewards agreed with Lane and the objection was dismissed.
Sisteen Demon forged to the early lead and was tracked by Trust In A Gust about 1 1/2 lengths back, with Dissident stalking from fourth. As Trust In A Gust strode clear into the stretch, Dissident and Bull Point rapidly closed in down the outside. Dissident was up to challenge through the final furlong and raced stride for stride with Trust In A Gust from 50 meters out, with the latter winning the tight photo.
Dissident, aiming for a third consecutive group I win and conceding 13 pounds to the winner, finished 1 3/4 lengths in front of third-place finisher Bull Point.
Trust In A Gust, the favorite, was timed in 1:23 flat for 1,400 meters (about seven furlongs) on good turf.
Bred in Australia by Adam Sangster, Trust In A Gust was purchased by Darren Weir for Aus$45,000 ($48,128 in United States funds) at the 2012 Inglis premier yearling sale. Swettenham Stud's agency consigned. Weir trains Trust In A Gust for a large partnership.
Trust In A Gust is by the Sunday Silence stallion Keep The Faith. His dam is the placed Storm Cat mare Subtle Breeze, a three-quarter sister to European champion filly and dual classic winner Balanchine.