‘Apple moment’ leads to Group Two success

HISTORY tells us that while sitting under a tree, Isaac Newton discovered the logic behind gravity.

While resting for the afternoon, Newton was struck on the top of his head by a falling apple, sparking his curiosity in the theory.

As it turns out, Victorian horseman Michael Chircop also unearthed a great idea while sitting in the shade.

Chircop’s ‘apple moment’ led to the purchase of a yearling, which as of last night as an injury-prone eight-year-old, boasts 15 wins and two seconds from 23 starts.

The pacer in question is the highly-touted General Dodge, which captured the Geelong Cup.

“I was at the Australian Pacing Gold Sale sitting under the tree not really doing anything when this yearling walked passed and caught my eye,” Chircop said.

“I decided to look him up and saw he is by Courage Under Fire from a Safely Kept mare, which is the same cross of Smolda.

“The next thing I know, I’ve bought him and am calling my mate Jason, who was at a party, to hurry to the sale and bring the cheque book.”

As for his latest triumph, General Dodge unleashed a scintillating sprint along the home straight to score by four-and-a-half metres from Amazing Dream, with Tango Tara a head away third.

Driven by Jason Lee, the gelding rated 1:58.1 over 2570 metres.

“I knew that he was on song,” Chircop said. “He’s right on the job, he’s been brilliant in the last couple of weeks.

“He’s really stepped up.”