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Minstrel nabs the Fremantle Pacing Cup at Gloucester Park

Headshot of Ernie Manning
Ernie ManningThe West Australian
Minstrel fights off Hurricane Harley to win the Fremantle Cup.
Camera IconMinstrel fights off Hurricane Harley to win the Fremantle Cup. Credit: SUPPLIED

Co-trainers Greg and Skye Bond celebrated a Group 1 quinella when Minstrel fought on to narrowly beat stablemate Patronus Star in an exciting $300,000 Fremantle Pacing Cup (2536m) at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

Minstrel, a heavily backed $2.40 favourite, set the pace for reinsman Ryan Warwick and tenaciously lifted when Patronus Star ($23.30) rocketed down the outside of Hurricane Harley under vigorous driving from reinswoman Deni Roberts.

Rating 1:55.7 after a fast start from gate one, Minstrel got the judge’s verdict by a half-head.

The Justin Prentice-trained Hurricane Harley ($13.20) finished a close third while class pacers Magnificent Storm and Chicago Bull ran ninth and 10th.

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Magnificent Storm raced outside Minstrel, and Chicago Bull was trapped three-wide.

“Minstrel produced a great effort to lead all the way,” Greg Bond said. “Patronus Star’s performance was sensational.

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”What a race, with pressure on all the way and plenty of moves. It was heart in the mouth over final stages.

“Ocean wading had a freshening effect and our team’s dedication is being rewarded. We’re looking forward to the WA Pacing Cup in two weeks.”

Bond said he expected more improvement by Minstrel, who was having his fifth start after a spell. He delivered a second Fremantle Pacing Cup to the Bond stable. The 2006 Fremantle Pacing winner Money Magnet was prepared by Greg Bond when he trained solo.

Warwick, who is stable driver for the Bond team, said the quinella resulted from a team effort.

“The stable had four cup runners and all of them went in with strong prospects,” Warwick said. The Bonds were also represented by Mighty Conqueror (eighth) and Vampiro (12th).

Minstrel and Patronus Star are raced in partnership by the Bonds and stable client Rob Gartrell.

“The syndicate who owned Minstrel in New Zealand have retained shares in him,” Greg Bond said.

Bought after Kiwi victories, Minstrel won last season’s $200,000 Golden Nugget at Gloucester Park.

Patronus Star won the $200,000 WA Derby two seasons ago.

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