Park Avenue has kept the winning start to his career going, claiming the Ironmark Handicap for the two-year-old’s at Randwick on Saturday.
The son of Fastnet Rock was sent out as second favourite at $6.00 with tab.com.au and got the job done by 0.06 lengths in a tight finish.
Trained by Richard and Michael Freedman, the gelding has now won his first two career starts.
Jockey Jean Van Overmeire said Park Avenue has class, but still has plenty of learning to do.
“Michael has always had a high opinion of this guy, at trackwork he always gallops well at home and I’m just very happy that he’s come to the races both times and performed,” he said.
“I think he’s got a lot of upside to him. I think he’ll get out over a bit further in distance as well.
“I thought he was going to pick them up pretty easily but he’s still a little bit raw.
“As soon as I put my whip into the other hand he really found again and he was tough to the line.
“I think maturity is still to come with him, I don’t think the penny has dropped completely just yet, so once that happens, he’ll be a very smart horse.”
Park Avenue jumped well from barrier seven but was pulled back by Van Overmeire in the early stages to get some cover during the run.
The son of Fastnet Rock pulled out three wide as they straightened and levelled up to the leaders with 100m left to run.
He dug deep over the concluding stages, putting his nose down on the finish line to claim a narrow victory.
Van Overmeire got his day off to a great start in the first race and is looking to take advantage of his opportunities with many of the top jockeys riding elsewhere.
“This is the time when us apprentices have got to make the most of it,” he said said.
“Leading into the winter time I thought, right, I’m just going to knuckle down and ride work for as many people as possible.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunities I’m getting, especially from the boss, from Gai (Waterhouse) and Adrian (Bott), Jean Dubois. I’m getting opportunities from all over and it’s just very pleasing.”
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au