Young Gun Newcastle Trainer BENJAMIN SMITH and Team Dynamic have achieved instant success since becoming the latest Dynamic Duo with now 3 starters to date for 2 winners (CHILCOTIN & I AM SPECIAL) whilst the other (WITCHES) is still looking to extract herself from a zip tight pocket in the run.
Trainer Ben Smith with I AM SPECIAL post race
On Saturday at Newcastle, it was the turn of
Dynamic mare I AM SPECIAL to have her first start for Ben and she duly
saluted in Race 6 the Class 2 over 900m.
I AM SPECIAL defeats Deceptacon at Newcastle 28/4/18
It was a combination of several factors that resulted in
I AM SPECIAL recording her 3rd win from just 6 race starts.
Firstly, we were scheduled to race up the line in a Benchmark 65 over 1000m at Taree on the previous Monday however having drawn off the track, in an apprentice only race, and then the rain came and the track got a soaking and was a Heavy 8, we elected to scratch and wait for this 900m event.
Secondly and vital, was the engagement of promising young
apprentice Chris Williams who was able to take 1.5kgs of his full 3kg claim and that dropped our weight from 55.5kgs to 54.0kgs.
No doubt this proved a winning decision with the top weight carrying 5kgs more. We have been watching the progress of this young man who is strong in the saddle and rates a horse in transit very well.
Thirdly, the 900m on her new home track was a preferred option than a trip up the highway to Taree. In addition the prizemoney was more at Newcastle than Taree.
Fourth and most importantly, it allowed her new
trainer Ben Smith an extra few days to have our horse cherry-ripe for her assignment.
These decisions plus a very good ride proved the winning formula.
This race was a big jump up in class for I AM SPECIAL from her maiden win at Canberra and her Class 1 win at Orange. She had to now take on provincial grade over the very sharp 900m against horses that were well performed racehorses themselves.
I AM SPECIAL in a good betting dual was sent out a $3.20 favourite over Deceptacon $3.40 and proved the stronger in winning Race 6 the McKanna Fabrications Class 2 Hcp over 900m.
I AM SPECIAL was the best to begin and went forward however didn’t have the speed to cross when two runners punched up on her inside. Trapped 3 deep on speed, the young jockey allowed
I AM SPECIAL to get into her rhythm without pushing too hard early. Whilst this speed battle was unfolding, the eventual runner-up was getting a lovely trail one pair back on the fence.
As the field swung for home,
I AM SPECIAL was asked to extend and she dashed 2 lengths in front at the 300m with the runner-up asked to give chase.
At the 200m, Deceptacon with the senior rider and the easy run, loomed up as if it was going to finish over the top however in a gutsy display, when
I AM SPECIAL saw her competitor loom, she dug deep and switched up a gear to rally and this pair battled hard to the line. However the top weight couldn’t get past our mare with the pull in the weights. It was a tremendous tussle over the final 200m but strength, class and a pull in the weights told the difference.
The runner-up Deceptacon who had the dream run through transit and it’s fair to observe, had everything go its way, didn’t have the same fighting tenacity of our mare, whilst Anna’s Joy who has been placed in town and run around in the Gr3 Triscay Stakes at her most recent run, finished in 3rd place.
I AM SPECIAL returns to scale a Winner at Newcastle
It was always going to prove difficult to catch I AM SPECIAL, when she recorded a slick time of 52.47 and last 600m of 33.12 secs on a soft 5 surface.
I AM SPECIAL (barrier 5) defeated Deceptacon (barrier 1) by 0.1 length x 2.14 lengths back to Anna’s Joy (barrier 3) in third.
Any horse than can record a 50% Strike Rate of 3 wins from 6 starts has obvious ability and she continues to reach the mark each time we raise the bar.
Congratulations to the Team that race I AM SPECIAL: Dynamic Syndications Racing, Mr N D Loader, Mr J Kasbarian, Mr S J Hodder, Mr A L Beaton, Mr A Pino, Mr W E Muller, Mr N W Honey, Mrs A J Ford, Mr D S French, Mr M Grogan, Mrs G Wyld, Mr M Mazzeo, Mr P Woodworth, Mrs S Haggett, Mr C Charalambous, Mr D C Batchelor, Mr D Molesworth
The win by I AM SPECIAL was Dynamic Syndications 47th Race Win for this 2017-18 Racing Season and our 536th Race Win overall.