Fluro Neuro was held up for a run in the Schweppes Hcp (1300m) at Belmont on Saturday but that proved a blessing in disguise for Belhus Racing manager Peter Morley and trainers Grant & Alana Williams.
The 4yo son of Gingerbread Man is best when left for a late sprint and that’s exactly how it panned out after Clint Johnston-Porter eased him around the heels of Miss Drakova a furlong from the finish. He flew home to collar the leaders and raced away to score by three-quarters of a length from Deamber (Vert De Grece) and Pray Again (Playing God).
“Grant told me to save him for one burst,” Johnston-Porter said. “It worked out perfectly and, when the run came, he exploded.”
Fluro Neuro (Photo / Western Racepix) was a beaten favourite first-up on June 8 and went out a $6 public-elect again in a wide-open race following the late scratching of his stablemate Berbere (Gingerbread Man).
“Willie (Pike) probably rode him too well last time,” Williams recalled. “He’s still an entire and does have a good turn of foot but you need to keep kidding him. He will probably get a mile although Peter will have to have him gelded at some stage.”
Fluro Neuro was bred and sold by Yarradale Stud for $75,000 at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions and has earned $215,801 including Westspeed Bonuses of $32,250.
He’s a full-brother to LR Farnley Stakes winner Neurological and they have an unraced 2yo half-sister named Novalie (War Chant) with trainer Robyn Lockwood. Their dam First Game (Soldier’s Tale) foaled another Gingerbread Man colt last October and was bred back to Darling View sire Lightsaber.
Monday morning’s Belmont barrier trials also saw Gingerbread Man’s unraced 2yo Daytona Pete win a 1000m hit-out for Albany trainer Steve Wolfe. He’s a full-brother to Wolfe’s stable star Red Can Man and was a $280,000 graduate of the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Gingerbread Man is a son of Sheikh Mohammed’s late, great sire and sires of sires Shamardal (USA) who was represented by his 28th Group 1 winner when Inisherin routed his rivals in the Commonwealth Cup (1200m) at Royal Ascot on Friday.
Yarradale Stud stands Gingerbread Man for a $5,500 (inc GST) service fee. For bookings or further information, contact Davy Hanratty on (08) 9574 6490 or 0429 326 904.