Happy for goalpost to be moved

TRADITIONALLY a goalpost being moved is viewed in a negative manner, for well-known horsewoman Charlene Gusman, however, it represents a welcome challenge.

For the past 14 years Gusman has been chasing the same goal despite the parameters being altered on a regular basis.

The main reason Gusman is happy for the changes is simple – it means she’s bred another winner!

Sending her former handy racemare Shes Norma Jeane to stud in 2011 – which resulted in a filly by Four Starzzz Shark – Gusman has bred seven subsequent foals from the matron.

As of last Thursday night’s Kilmore meeting, Gusman’s adjusted target was met when Ron Baro broke his maiden.

By scoring at his second outing, Ron Baro stretched Shes Norma Jeane’s record to a perfect eight winners from eight starters.

With a two-year-old and yearling also from the broodmare gem, Gusman’s goalpost will move yet again during the next 12 months!

“It’s a little goal I’ve got and been able to maintain, which I’m pretty proud of,” Gusman said. “I’ve bred and trained them all myself, so it is quite satisfying.

“Obviously you breed a foal hoping it to be a winner, but when she got to five-from-five, I did wonder if she could maintain it, and if so, for how long.

“Ron Baro winning at his second start was terrific in itself, but to make it eight winners from eight foals was the icing on the cake.”

Driven by Liam Older, Ron Baro was pushed through from his inside of the second row to gain the run of the race behind Bungy, which led from the pole.

Angled away from the pegs at the top of the home straight, Ron Baro dashed to an 11-metre win from the frontrunner, with Heavenly Flyer a short half-head away third.

“That was a nice run, especially considering the penny hasn’t really dropped with him,” Gusman said. “I had him ready as a two-year-old, but he was so immature that I put him back away.

“He improved mentally and physically during his time off and I’ve got no doubt he will benefit from this preparation, a good break and another 12 months to mature.”

Rating 2:02.3 over a waterlogged 2180 metres, Ron Baro’s success was the opening leg of a double for Gusman, who prepared Clives Girl to score with Nick Beale holding the reins later on the card.

By Bettors Delight, the six-year-old is also from Shes Norma Jeane.

“It’s not the first time I’ve had a double with her progeny,” Gusman said. “Clives Girl is a Group Two winner and has done a handy job, but her time as a racehorse is coming to an end.

“Not through any fault of hers, I just need to make room for the young ones coming along.

“She’ll head to the breeding barn and I’d be thrilled if she could be the one to continue her dam’s legacy into the next decade.”