Toowoomba trainer Pat Webster didn’t mince words when assessing the performance of his tough gelding Mean Approach at Doomben on – Saturday.
Lumping a crushing 62.5kg top weight, and giving away 3.5kg to eventual winner Gram, the five-year-old turned in a heroic performance when charging home late to grab second in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1110m).
Although forced to lump top weight, the gelding’s eye-catching finish gave Webster all the proof he needed that another win was right around the corner.
“I thought he raced really well,” Webster said. “I probably didn’t expect to be where we were in the run. I thought we’d be a lot closer, just sitting off the back of the speed somewhere, but he ran on really well and I definitely think there’s another win in him this prep.”
That late-closing effort built on an ultra-consistent campaign in town. He was coming off a narrow nose margin two starts back under apprentice Bella Youngberry.
According to Webster, the key to the gelding’s career-best campaign has come down to a complete turnaround in his barrier manners.
“He’s jumping out of the gates a lot better than he did last prep or the last two preps,” Webster said.
“He’s breaking cleanly now and actually able to put himself in a position. I’m just trying to place him right.”
“I know we had to carry a bit of weight there on Saturday but we missed a run the week before just by drawing a terrible gate.”
Rather than backing up in Brisbane immediately, Webster confirmed he was keeping his powder dry for a marquee target on his doorstep in the Weetwood Handicap Day at Clifford Park on September 26.
Despite establishing himself as one of Queensland’s most lethal strikerate trainers since relocating his main stables to Toowoomba, a victory in the famous $160,000 Weetwood Handicap remains an unfulfilled ambition.
“We’ll probably head to Toowoomba on Weetwood day with him, provided he draws a good gate,” Webster said.
Mean Approach won’t be flying the flag alone on Clifford Park’s biggest day of the year. Webster said he was assembling a multi-horse contingent across the card.
With stable flag-bearer Esjay and former Godolphin winner Restonica leading his open-class contingent, Webster is eyeing off a massive afternoon on home soil.
“I’ve got a few going and a few heading in that direction,” Webster said.
“It depends on what races run and what doesn’t but hopefully we’ll have a few good ones representing us on the day.”
