Written by Paul Vettise
Randwick trainer John Thompson is aiming to become the first trainer to complete a memorable seven-figure double as he takes aim at the second leg on Saturday with the in-form Purple Sector (NZ) (Pins) at Kembla Grange.
Thompson celebrated a major pay day last weekend when he produced Sweet Deal (Casino Prince) to land the thick end of the stake in the $1 million The Hunter at Newcastle and can become the first trainer to also win the $1 million The Gong.
There is an air of confidence about Purple Sector’s prospects and with good reason as his 5-year-old has come back to terrific form this preparation.
He was a resuming second at Rosehill before winning the Spring Mile at Randwick and a trip to Victoria was rewarded with a further success in the Listed Cup Day Plate.
“We had a bit of luck last week and we’d be pretty blessed to win the two $1 million races. The horse is going very well and he’s a real up and comer,” Thompson said.
“We had a bit of luck last week and we’d be pretty blessed to win the two $1 million races.” – John Thompson
While Purple Sector got the job done at his most recent appearance at Flemington, Thompson believes he will be even more of a force to be reckoned with at Kembla Grange.
“He probably didn’t look that great in Melbourne in his first run that way at his last start. I’m sure back in Sydney on his right leg he’ll be back to his best,” he said.
Purple Sector displayed rich promise as a 3-year-old and won the G3 Rough Habit Plate at Doomben and had been a multiple stakes placegetter in Sydney prior to that.
He lost his way the following season, but has bounced back this term to be well on the way to fulfilling his early potential.
“I couldn’t be happier with him and he’s just been a different horse since he’s been gelded and he’s very genuine,” Thompson said.
More to offer
He is also confident that Purple Sector, a four-time winner, has plenty more to offer.
“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet. He’s come through the grades nicely and showed good potential and ran good times as well,” Thompson said.
“He can only win and he’s up in grade again on Saturday, but I think he’s well and truly up to it.”
“He can only win and he’s up in grade again on Saturday, but I think he’s well and truly up to it.” – John Thompson
Purple Sector will be ridden by Rachel King, whose only previous ride on the horse was a successful one at Randwick last month.
“Rachel rode him when he won so with the lighter weight we stuck with her. The owners and I are happy with that and the day she won on him it was a mile and he ran a faster last couple of sectionals than they did in The Everest on the same day,” Thompson said.
Rachel King
Purple Sector is raced by prominent owner Matthew Sandblom, Think Big Stud and Joseph Hayek, whose son Harry is in the McLaren development race car driving team based in England.
Hayek senior’s involvement in the ownership group led to the naming of the horse – purple sector is a term used in motor racing and refers to the fastest lap time recorded.
Thompson’s only other runner at the meeting is Dunbrody Power (All Too Hard), who runs in the Traffic Logistics H. for fillies and mares.
The 5-year-old is another four-time winner for the stable and the latest of them was posted on the Kensington track at Randwick at her most recent appearance. Nash Rawiller rode her on that occasion and takes the mount again.
