Pinch River too nippy for rivals in Dalrello Stakes

The speedy Pinch River was too nippy for his rivals in leading all of the way to take out the Listed $100,000 Channel Seven Dalrello Stakes (1200m) at Doomben today. 

Pinch River leads all of the way to win the Dalrello Stakes.  Photo by Daniel Costello. 

Winning rider Damian Browne was able to cross the field easily on Pinch River from a wide barrier in the run to the first turn and the Robert Heathcote trained youngster never gave the other two years olds a chance to run him down. 

Pinch River showed plenty of ability early in his two year old season with wins from his first two starts before his form fell away and was given a break after finishing thirteenth to Unencumbered in the $2m Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 11. 

“His first couple of starts were terrific,” Browne said. 

“He lost his way going into the Magic Millions but Rob has freshened him up and brought him back.” 

“He’s got plenty of speed and were able to use that.  He’s is a little gem of a horse and I’m sure they are going to have a lot of fun with him”

Browne was able to steal a winning break on Pinch River ($6.50) at the top of the straight and even though runner up Thief Of Hearts ($15) and third placegetter Kelvin The Kruel ($11) tried hard they couldn’t make up any ground on the winner. 

Favourite Goodbye Kevin ($3.80) settled midfield for jockey Blake Shinn but was unable to make up any ground in the straight and missed a place to finish in fourth spot. 

Author: Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry.  He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.