Steel Big Value at Caulfield

Matt Laurie had favourite punters reeling but left Caulfield a happy man after The Big Steel scored an upset victory in the Join MRC And Receive Instant Value Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.  Despite a last start victory over 2100m, the gelding drifted to start at $43.

The Big Steel (3g Urgent Request – No Risk by Pompeii Court) was able to glide across the field from an outside barrier and enjoyed an easy time in front.  He kept kicking in the straight to eventually win by just over a length from Cheerful Jury ($105) and King Cobweb ($27).  The trifecta paid just under $70,000.  

“We’ve enjoyed a good season but training my first Saturday winner in town really tops it off,” Laurie said.  “And its terrific for the owners who have supported me for a very long time.”

Laurie, who trains a relatively small team of 30 at Mornington, said The Big Steel was a stayer of the future. “We are going to have some fun with him,” Laurie said.  “He has great gate speed and always puts himself in the right place during the run.”

The Big Steel is by North American G1 winner Urgent Request (Rainbow Quest).  He stood at Eldon Park in Victoria with limited success siring the stakes winners Accost (Nitchske Stakes) and Centurytwentyone (SAJC Birthday Cup).

The Big Steel’s dam No Risk is a half sister to NZ stakes performers Limbo (Don’t Forget Me) and Silver Son (Victory Dance).