Jim Taylor’s promising three-year-old Swingman made a strong statement at Northam today (Thursday), bouncing back from an interrupted campaign to score a stylish win in the Tabtouch Better Your Bet Maiden (1100m) and the signs are it won’t be the last time he’s seen in the winner’s circle.
Earlier in the year, Taylor had high hopes for Swingman, targeting feature two-year-old races including the prestigious Karrakatta Plate (1200m), but those plans were shelved after the Brutal gelding pulled up shin sore following his debut sixth in the Perth Stakes (1100m), forcing a premature end to his campaign.
Today’s win was a small but satisfying consolation for connections, including former AFL stars, Peter Sumich and Brad Hardie and Taylor, who rarely overstates his horses, declared Swingman a good one after the performance.
“We think he goes pretty good,” Taylor said.
“On debut he was pretty unlucky in the Perth Stakes and should have run a placing but pulled up shin sore.
“He’ll probably go the city, now that he has won his maiden.
"He looked like he missed it a little bit but hit the line alright.
“I think we have something to work with.”
Jockey Steven Parnham was just as effusive post-race.
He had Swingman settled fourth to the turn before hooking to the outside and unleashing a strong finishing burst.
At the line Swingman held a 1 ¼ length margin over Bold Fight with Long Laugh third.
Parnham rated the win highly and believes there is more to come.
“He’s above average this horse,” Parnham said.
“He’ll go to the city and make his presence felt there.
“He’s still learning and has more improvement."
Parnham partnered Swingman in the Perth Stakes and still rues it as a race that got away.
“He trialled really well prior to the Perth Stakes, and I reckon he runs second with clear running," Parnham said.
“Today he was ready when I went for him.
“He’s still a kid learning how to do it.”
Julio Santarelli