Gaylord (NZ) produced another tough performance at Port Macquarie Racecourse on Monday, finishing a gallant second in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1106m).
Carrying a hefty 65kg on a testing Heavy 10 surface, Gaylord was brave to the line despite conditions that were far from ideal. Never comfortable in the deep ground, he stuck on gamely under jockey Aaron Bullock, who reported the gelding travelled well throughout but was unable to fully let down in the extremely muddy conditions.
“The horse travelled nicely and was very determined to the finish, but he just never got into top gear in the going,” Bullock said post-race. “He would have won on a dry track.”
The winner enjoyed a 4kg weight advantage and raced wider on the track where conditions were slightly better, making Gaylord’s effort all the more commendable.
It has been a frustrating preparation for the Matthew Dunn-trained galloper, with relentless rain across Northern NSW and Queensland preventing him from seeing a suitable dry surface. Despite this, Gaylord has continued to race consistently, recording three second placings and two fifths this campaign — all while carrying between 60kg and 65kg.
Trainer Matthew Dunn remains optimistic that Gaylord’s turn is coming once he strikes firmer footing.
A deserved win doesn’t look far away.
