Local trainer Alan Matthews landed a surprise upset in the Kingston Town Classic with Pounamu reigning supreme in the staying feature.
While an eye catcher late in the Railway Stakes, even Matthews felt he was up against it under the weight-for-age conditions.
Star galloper Black Heart Bart was sent out the warm favourite, but after suffering heavy interference shortly after the start, he was quickly put out of play.Ridden patiently by regular rider Patrick Carbery, Pounamu settled towards the rear, before pulling one of the widest runners on straightening.
Unleashing a good turn of foot, Pounamu worked home strongly down the outside, edging out Material Man and three-year-old Achernar Star in the shadows of the post.The Grey wins the Kingston Town Classic!!
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) 9 December 2017
Pounamu comes with a barnstorming finish down the outside to take out the last Group 1 of the season. Thrilling finish!! pic.twitter.com/RRKnvSp8BV
An impressive winner first up defeating Variation, Pounamu closed off well in the Railway Stakes and was sure to relish the step up in trip.
Although unproven at the top level, Pounamu relished the strong tempo and returned a Timeform rating of 115.A new career peak for the six-year-old, Pounamu has come a long way since joining Matthews' care in January 2016.
Previously trained by Alan Denham, Pounamu was a 13 start maiden, placing at four attempts before transferred West, .Group 3 placed twice behind Sweynesse as a three-year-old, Pounamu had certainly displayed his fair share of ability and now remains on an upward spiral for Matthews.
In 24 starts in West Australia, Pounamu has notched up nine wins and nine minor placings - not a bad record for a galloper once labelled a non-winner.You can't fluke time and Pounamu's effort on Saturday typified that, his strongest against the clock.
His performance locks in well with previous local winners of the race, Perfect Reflection (113), Ihtsahymn (115), Luckygray (118) and Playing God (118 & 115).Eastern raiders failed to fire a shot, It's Somewhat the best performed finishing fifth.
Three-year-olds Achernar Star and Perfect Jewel both performed admirably and create plenty of interest for their next preparation.From a Perth Cup perspective the Team Williams trained Royal Star is one to follow (along with the first two home).
