Hammer Delivers Big Betting Blow in Cluden Win

The rich QTIS Jewel series is on the table for Hallside Hammer after the smart gelding landed a substantial betting plunge at Cluden Park on Saturday.

Hallside Hammer was backed from 7.5 into 2.60 favouritism before leading throughout in the Roy Chillemi Trainer of the Year QTIS 3YO Hcp (1200m).

Trainer Les Gordy, who wasn’t at the track because of work commitments, was surprised by the big betting move.

“I was confident he’d run very well but I didn’t think he’d run that short,” Gordy said.

“He’s shaping up as a really good horse with a great future.

“I was really impressed with him when he ran second first up (to Yes Dream) with just a few gallops and no trial.

“You had to forget he went around in Mackay at his last start where he was very green against a top line-up. The main purpose of the trip was the run to get him fit and the experience of the travel.

“Today with a good ride and a gear change he went really well.

“I want to aim him towards the QTIS Jewel. He has a long way to go but he is improving all the time and he has form not far off the best three-year-olds up here.”

Hallside Hammer was taken straight to the front in Saturday’s sprint by Nathan Day.

Rated superbly in front, the Love Conquers All gelding found enough late to beat Boomed by a long head with Santa Marinella a short head away third.

Ace western jockey Ric McMahon made a rare trip to Townsville to guide veteran sprinter Langhro to an all-the-way  win in the Open Hcp (1400m).

Langhro defied a late surge by Verbalizer to win by a half-length with Zouvilla a long head away third.

Townsville trainer Troy Clive teamed with Chris Whiteley to record a last to first win with Pluckercarn in the Willygood Class 1 Hcp (1400m).

Clive predicted further improvement in the lightly-raced four-year-old gelding.

“He ran a big race in Mackay but had no luck, and the barrier beat him here last start when he flashed home and ran third,” Clive said.

“I thought he was a very good chance again today and Chris gave him a great run and he finished over the top of them.

“The horse is improving and I think we’ll win a few races with him.”

Pluckcarn came from near last on the home turn to beat Touch Of Bali by three-quarters of a length with Bravio a half neck away third.

Pictured: Jockey Nathan Day sends Hallside Hammer to a popular win over Boomed in the Roy Chillemi Trainer of the Year 3YO Hcp (1200m) at Cluden Park on Saturday.

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