SPEED MACHINE SHOWS GRIT

Free wheeling speed machine Balastier had to show determination to win in his return to racing at Sandown on Monday. 

For one of the first times in his career, the usual tearaway leader was unable to get to the front from the second outside gate, highlighting the early speed in this 1000m BM74 event.

"I thought the inside two were going to hand up to us, but then no sooner had I thought that they kicked up and we were three-wide facing the breeze on speed which is never an ideal position," Lane said post race.

"We had no favors, but he kicked strongly and did a terrific job to keep sticking his neck out and get the job done as he was entitled to get run down."

The son of Brazen Beau clocked the slick timew of 56.14 for the 1000m journey with the victory improving his record to five wins from 10 career starts, which makes it  four wins from five starts since joining the  Danny O'Brien stable. 

Pic by Racing Photos