Stunning; Im Themightyquinn claims back to back WA Cups
West Australian 'wonder horse' Im Themightyquinn stormed to victory in tonight's Gr.1 $400,000 SEW Eurodrive WA Cup at Gloucester Park and the Inter Dominion now beckons.
The Gary Hall trained defending champion was aided by a brilliant tactical drive By Gary Hall Jnr. downing a brave Dasher VC by 1.6m with Lightning Raider a further 14m away in third in a mile rate of 1;55.9 for the 2506m feature.
Race favourite Mr Feelgood weakened badly to finish a well beaten ninth.
The victory catapults trainer Gary Hall into the record books as the most successful trainer in the races history edging past legendary horseman Phil Coulson.
Hall has now trained the Cup winner on six occasions starting with The Falcon Strike who scored in 2002, '04 and '05, Tealsby Karita in '07 while Im Themightyquinn has claimed the past two editions.
Hall Jnr. has now won the Cup fives times, equal with Chris Lewis but still two short of Phil Coulson who drove the Cup winner a record seven times.
Dasher VC pounced on the lead from his favourable draw while Mr Feelgood sat parked on his outside, the lead time was covered in 64.1 seconds but the early moves kept coming as Washakie and New Zealand raider Raglan made forward early moves.
Lewis aboard Dasher VC controlled the tempo with the first half clocked in 29.6 and 30.2 seconds, Mr Feelgood made another mid-race move to race up on the outside of the leader while Lightning Raider was left exposed three wide with 1200m to run.
Hall Jnr. restrained Im Themightyquinn back to last from his wide draw before making his three wide move and finding cover at the expense of Lightning Raider.
Dasher VC raced off the back straight in 29.6 seconds and travelled strongly while Mr Feelgood felt the pinch after working without cover, Hall Jnr. set alight crowd favourite Im Themightyquinn and his instant acceleration was breathtaking as he loomed big danger before the home turn.
In the straight, Dasher VC and Im Themightyquinn sprinted away from Lightning Raider but it was Im Themightyquinn who prevailed with Hall Jnr. showing his emotion with a vibrant whip flourish as he crossed the line.
The final quarter was timed in a sizzling 27 seconds.
“What a champion, Quinny was all class tonight but credit must go to Dad (Gary) for the job he's done.” Hall Jnr. declared.
Im Themightyquinn had not started since finishing a career worst last in the Gr.1 $425,000 Victoria Cup at TABCORP Park, Melton on December 17 behind Smoken Up.
“The race panned out perfectly when I was able to land that perfect three wide trail, Quinny travelled well within himself which had me feeling confident.
“He gives you an amazing feel when he's in full flight and that was him at his best again tonight.”
Connections will now focus on next week's Gr.1 $250,000 Fremantle Cup before aiming at back to back victories in the V75 Inter Dominion Pacing Championship beginning on February 17.
