Crossing border in search of elusive victory

FRESH from capturing a hometown feature, promising pacer Royal Speech is poised to head interstate.

Thrilled with Royal Speech’s Mount Gambier Gold Cup success during the weekend, trainer Barry Finnis has set his sights on another of the gelding’s targets – collecting his Vicbred bonus.

Royal Speech has competed on the other side of the border a dozen times, with luck avoiding the son of Well Said.

In fact, Royal Speech has come painfully close to the elusive win by finishing second on three occasions!

“We’ve had numerous cracks at getting his bonus, but just haven’t been able to get the job done,” Finnis said. “He’s been second a few times but that win keeps getting away from him.

“I’ll take him over the border again soon for another try and hopefully can have a bit of luck this time.

“Getting that win this season is a high priority, so we will keep trying as often as needed during the next eight months.”

Driven by Finnis’ son Jayson during his latest victory, Royal Speech produced a gritty performance to outstay his rivals in track record time.

After racing outside the leader, Sea Lover, Royal Speech powered his way to a five-metre win from Terror The Christian.

Sea Lover battled on to be three metres away third in 2:00.8 over 2590 metres.

“We were hoping the pace would be on, but with scratching of the favourite Dont Need An Excuse we felt the race would be too slow to suit him,” Finnis said.

“Sea Lover over racing though worked out well for us as he won in track record time.”