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Currie's fortunes turn full circle after With A Promise wins Tails Stakes

21 April 2018

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer Ben Currie’s fortunes turned a full circle in the space of 40 minutes when With A Promise claimed the Listed Tails Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.

Currie watched in horror as his Weetwood Handicap winner Amanaat missed the start by seven lengths in the previous race, the Listed Ascot Handicap won by the Rex Lipp-trained In His Stride.

Amanaat struck his head in the barriers and knocked out several teeth and was later declared a non-runner by stewards following a post-race inquiry into the barrier incident.

Currie was planning a Stradbroke Handicap campaign with Amanaat who will now have x-rays on Monday to reveal the extent of his head injuries.

“He’s lost all his bottom teeth, missed the start seven lengths and still flew home,” Currie said.

“I was getting him ready for the Stradbroke but he might have a broken jaw now.

“We won’t know if he’s just lost a few teeth or it’s more serious until he’s x-rayed.”

The controversial barrier incident took away the gloss of With A Promise’s win in the Tails Stakes.

Ridden by Bobby El-Issa, With A Promise showed great courage to fight back to down Mr Epic by a half neck in the Tails Stakes.

“With A Promise’s win was huge,” Currie said.

“She’s a tough and honest mare but she’s been struggling to perform until today and the owner considered retiring her at one stage.

“When she gets into a dog fight she just keeps lifting.”

With A Promise won her first Stakes race in the Listed Silk Stocking last year but won’t be defending her crown.

“This is her second Stakes win but I think she’s looking for further now,” Currie said.

“The Silk Stocking is 1200 metres and she’ll more than likely stay around 1600 metres or a bit further.”

With A Promise’s win was her eighth win from 22 starts.

Meanwhile the bubble burst on Toowoomba sensation Mr Marbellouz in the Class Six Plate (1200m).

Mr Marbellouz, who also was an acceptor for the Ascot Handicap, showed his customary speed to lead before finishing second to the Les Ross-trained River Racer.

It was only the second defeat for Mr Marbellouz in his eight-start career.

Racing Queensland webnews  April 21