Talented sprinter Ice Kool scores another Randwick victory
Ice Kool's raw ability is evident, even as he continues to refine his racing technique, demonstrated by his latest promising win at Randwick.
The three-year-old colt consistently creates challenges for himself, failing to anticipate the start and exhibiting a tendency to race keenly. Nevertheless, he continues to progress through the classes.
His victory in the Ensure Workplace Risk Solutions Handicap (1000m) on Saturday was his fourth from five starts. Trainer David Pfieffer admits the horse has some idiosyncrasies but anticipates that experience and maturity will help smooth them out.
"He makes it hard for himself. He's slow out of the gates, and then he had to use himself to muster a bit of speed," Pfieffer said. "He's still ironing out his race craft, and he's just got to get those one percenters right. When he does that, he's going to keep improving.
"If he learns to settle and adapt to races when things don't go to plan, we'll see a nice horse."
Guided by his regular jockey Jay Ford, Ice Kool, the commanding $1.50 favourite, accelerated to take a position three-wide in the run. He was required to dig deep under the burden of 60kg to secure a half-length victory over Petticoat ($14), with Teylu ($41) a further long head behind in third.
While acknowledging it's off-season form, Pfieffer believes Ice Kool has the makings of a carnival performer and intends to give the colt a short break before preparing for the spring racing season.
"We might look to give him a let-up and then poke around at carnival time," he noted. "I'm contemplating going to Melbourne because I'm thinking he won't be in the Concorde (Stakes), The Shorts, the Premiere (Stakes). He's not at that level yet.
"Testing him down the straight or around Caulfield or Sandown, a few of those races that are second tier stakes races will be nice little targets. Hopefully we're talking those Sydney lead-up races this time next year."
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