All in all, it was a very good day’s work at the office for champion jockey, William Pike.
Pike bagged three winners at Bunbury, took out one of the main features and strengthened his grip on the Australian and Perth Jockey Premiership.
Race one went according to plan with exciting gelding Twisted Steel toying with his opposition, the Belmont Oaks wasn’t as smooth, but after a few anxious moments Fancy Ted delivered in spades for favourite punters and as he is prone to do regularly, Pike came home in the last on Supernatural.
Since finishing sixth on debut at Pinjarra in April, Fancy Red has gone from strength to strength and has hardly missed a beat, racking up five wins and three placings from her next eight starts and amply demonstrated her stamina after stepping up and winning at 1400m at Pinjarra a week ago.
Fancy Red, sent out the hot favourite, sustained the Belmont Oaks superiority of Durrant and Pike, who have owned the Listed race in modern times, collectively winning the winter staying event on 12 occasions.
Fancy Red gave Pike a winning hat-trick after Petrouchka (2024) and Ihts Closing Inn (2023) and before that it was Chantrea (2020), Mystery Miss (2019), Tick Tick Bloom (2014) and New Image (2010).
It all came up rosy for Pike on Saturday, but a few weeks back when scouring Belmont Oaks options, the idea of securing a seventh trophy with Fancy Red seemed a long shot.
He was more than happy to have his judgement proved wrong.
“I kind of thought they were mad trying to get her over ground,” Pike said on Tabradio.
“She doesn’t stay, she’s had too many runs, she’s ready for the paddock.
“It was pretty much what I was saying several starts ago, actually.
“Adam (Durrant) and connections had the Belmont Oaks in mind for quite a while.
“I was proven wrong on many levels, but very happy with it all.”
Pike is looking forward to reuniting with Twisted Steel, who in a cameo maiden campaign, shapes as an Ascot carnival horse for trainer Simon Miller.
The son of Rommel has done his job effectively, going two for two and Pike believes the speedy conveyance has a bright future in front of him.
“I enjoyed the ride,” Pike said.
“He gave me a great feel and if all races are like that it would be boring.
“He’s doing it well and clearly got above average ability.
“With a bit of luck, he spells well and comes back for much better races.”
Pike’s Saturday treble takes him to 157.5 wins nationally with Blake Shinn his nearest rival on 150 wins.
The race for Perth’s best jockey is also tight with Pike on 98.5 wins and Chris Parnham hot on his heels with 94 wins.
Pike is determined to shore up at least one of the titles.
“Definitely the local metro premiership," Pike said.
“A good day yesterday helps put a gap on Chris (Parnham).
“If I had the option I’d prefer to get our local premiership, but if I can get the Australian one as well it would be icing on the cake.
“I wouldn’t say no to that.”
Julio Santarelli