Dynamic's 100th Individual Winner as Forerunner scores

Well done to the team:

Facing the starter for just the third time in his racing career, the Darren Smith trained Forerunner was first up from a spell having had two lead in trials.

His previous preparation he had faced the starter twice with an encouraging first up 4th of 14 runners at Taree over 1000m beaten a head from the third placed runner on a heavy track before then running a disappointing 13 of 14 at Muswellbrook over 1000m as a $3.20 favourite. He was spelled immediately after that run.

Some owners were understandably loosing faith, patience and desire but were encouraged to stay with the horse after trainer Darren Smith never lost faith in Forerunners ability to win races.

On Friday his resumption was made exceptionally difficult when first up over 1200m he was given barrier 10 of 10 and in what looked on paper to be a competitive race and showed a lot of on pace runners. It appeared we were going to be trapped wide throughout. Jockey Dale Spriggs was asked to travel where the horse was comfortable early but try not to be caught deep so after the first 200m make a decision how the race was panning out and to go forward and lead or take a hold and get back out of the speed battle and get cover if possible before the first turn.

As anticipated it was the charge of the light brigade up front and Forerunner was caught 5 deep early. Dale elected to push on and went to the front but the early sectionals were very quick and watching the race unfold we simply did not think at that fast tempo he would be able to withstand the pressure first up over 1200m and would tire in the straight. However that was not the case.

As he turned for home Dale pushed the go button and the horse found plenty and dashed two lengths in front. However the hard work was taking its toll and the petrol gauge was on empty and Forerunner was out on his feet running on fumes.

Despite this and the challenges coming from those who had the better runs in transit closing very fast, Forerunner dug deep and in a credit to both the ride of Dale Spriggs and the training ability of Darren Smith our horse held on to score a gutsy and determined win.

It may not have been a big money stakes race but for his team of owners it was immensely satisfying to see their loyalty be repaid with a well deserved win and gives them their chance to put a photo on the wall.

Importantly for Dynamic Syndications it was the icing on the cake for a terrific week.

Firstly Forerunner became our 100th individual winner from 125 individual runners which is an incredibly high 80% Runners : Winners.

• His win was our 23rd win for the 2011-12 racing season.
• His win was our 255th Dynamic win for yearlings we have purchased from the past 5 racing crops to date under the Dynamic Banner.
• His win was the 11th winner for Dynamic Syndications this season trained by Darren Smith.

Darren Smith continues his terrific start to the new season now having trained 22 winners which sees him in equal 4th position on the NSW Trainers Premiership having trained 22 winners (22.7% S/R) with another 43 placings from 97 runners.