On the flat or over the hurdles, the rising eight-year-old Street Sense gelding Self Sense is in the form of his life.
Coming off a win in the Kevin Lafferty Hurdle at Warrnambool ten days back, the David Brideoake-trained gelding made a return to the flat at Caulfield on Saturday to run out a dominant winner of the $150,000 VOBIS Gold Stayers (2400).
It was a profitable venture as the race was a warm-up for the Grand National (4200m).
Ridden by Jamie Mott, Self Sense came with a barnstorming finish from second last in the early stages to defeat Sasko by one and quarter lengths with another half-length to Bondeiger in third. (photo Grant Courtney)
The six and three-quarter length romp in the Listed Ipswich Cup just over a year ago seems to have rejuvenated rising 8yo gelding whose record advances to 13 wins, 8 seconds and 6 thirds from 52 starts with earnings of $1,140,070.
"I would say he has never gone better, this has just been an amazing preparation," Brideoake said.
"He has been up and going since January and to keep it going at this rate is quite amazing."
"The jump racing has really lifted him to another level and by mixing the jumping with a little bit of his training, he's an easy horse to maintain and he's just so genuine."
"We'll line up on Sunday week in the jump race and I'm looking forward to it. That will be enough for him this campaign and he can have a rest then.
"He's a great horse to train and everyone in the stable loves him."
Bred and part-owned by his trainer, Self Sense is a half-brother to four winners including the Group III winner Shylight (Lago Delight).
He is out of the 2-time Melbourne winner Be My Person (Personal Flag) whose granddam Lady Whyllie (Danzatore) is a half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Dalmacia.
Be My Person died in December 2015.
Her final foal is an unraced rising 3yo gelding by Reset named Publican's Choice.
A 5-season shuttler to Darley, Street Sense (USA) (Street Cry) left the dual Group 1 winner and now Darley stallion Hallowed Crown, the Group 1 Myer Stakes winner Politeness, the Group 1 Doomben Cup winner Sense Of Occasion and the multiple Group II winner and Group 1-placed Dixie Blossoms from his time in Australia.
