Written by Paul Vettise
Age certainly hasn’t wearied Ball Of Muscle (Dubawi {IRE}) and the evergreen sprinter proved far too slick for his Caulfield rivals in Saturday’s G3 Moniek & Susanne Sambor Heath 1100. The well-related short-course specialist was first out and first home in the dash for the cash.
Joseph Pride has enjoyed a long and successful association with the family of the 8-year-old and admitted the gelding’s latest win was special. “It’s getting to the end of an era after Terravista and Tiger Tees, the half-brothers,” he said. “This bloke is the last one left and I’m very proud of their achievements.”
“This bloke is the last one left and I’m very proud of their achievements.” – Joseph Pride.
Tiger Tees (NZ) is a brother to Ball Of Muscle and won the G1 Galaxy for Pride while his sibling Tiger Tees (Captain Rio {GB}) claimed the G1 Darley Classic and the G1 Lightning S. Despite their sprinting prowess, the Warwick Farm horseman believes their sibling Ball Of Muscle has one up on them.
Ball of Muscle proving too slick for his Caulfield rivals
“I reckon he’s the quickest horse in Australia, I’m not saying he’s the best, but when I’ve got his feet right he’s so comfortable,” Pride said. “He’s been a really good, honest horse for a long time.
“He’s been a really good, honest horse for a long time.” – Joseph Pride.
“It’s so good to see him break through again in good company.” Now the winner of 10 races and more than $1 million in prize-money, Ball Of Muscle was making his first appearance since the autumn and Pride was confident of his charge’s chances at Caulfield. “I’d like to think that we can travel horses as well as anyone.”
Ball Of Muscle stepped quickly to lead and stuck gladly to his task in the closing 300 metres to defeat Voodoo Lad (I Am Invincible) and Brave Smash (JPN) (Tosen Phantom {JPN). “He came out faster today than when I’ve ever ridden him,” jockey Glyn Schofield said. “The key to him is his feet and Joe said he was right.”
Pedigree Notes
Ball Of Muscle’s dam Parfore (NZ) (Gold Brose) has been an absolute star with all nine of her foals to race having won. The Pride runners aside, she is also the mother of the former Singapore Horse of the Year Super Easy (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), the multiple stakes winner Our Lukas (NZ) (Generous {IRE}) and Frustrating (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}), the dam of the dual Listed winner Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock).
Parfore is a daughter of the black type winner Classy Twiggy (Twig Moss {IRE}), whose daughter produced the G3 Concorde H., winner Mosse (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). The family also boasts the presence of the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce S., winner Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Captain Rio {GB}).
Ball of Muscle is a relation to former Singapore Horse of the Year, Super Easy
