Rope Them In commenced this month’s conveyer belt of 3yo winners for Playing God when he railed up to get the better of Ice Pick Nick (Frosted) and Triple Jay (Street Boss) in the in the Quayclean Hcp (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday.
Playing God’s 3yo division won 7 races during May through Best Mood (2), Rope Them In, Playing Games, Pray for Lucy, Red Tori and Lacie Ace. He’s home-and-hosed for the WA premiership in that category with earnings over $2.81 million headed by Zipaway (G2 WA Guineas), Investmentstrategy (LR Fairetha Stakes) and Lord Vampi (LR Roberts Stakes).
Trainer Steve Wolfe believes Rope Them In (Photo / Western Racepix) is another black-type prospect for the Champion Darling View Thoroughbreds resident, however, he doubted there will be a quick seven-day turnaround for the LR Raconteur Stakes (1400m) next Saturday.
“He won’t take any harm from today’s run but we’ve got Brave Spirit going into the Raconteur,” Wolfe said. “It’s debatable whether he will stay at 1200m or go out to a mile. We will give him another run before a spell and it’s still a long way until the spring.
“We’ve always had a big opinion of this bloke and it was a great ride by Tash (Faithfull) taking that gap in the straight. And thanks to the Albany Race Club for letting us use the track down there.”
Rope Them In’s dam Lead Rope (Real Jester) was bred by Fred Castledine and won six sprints in Perth for owner Kerry Haddleton. She foaled winners by Rangeview Stud sires Henny Hughes (USA), So Secret and Galah early in her stud career and later changed hands to foal Rope Them In for Noel, Peter and Duran Carter.
Willaview Park (as agent) sold Rope Them In for $60,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions and his stats now stand at 4 wins in 10 starts for earnings of $416,825 topped up by Westspeed Bonuses of $179,300.
Faithfull had ridden Rope Them In as a 2yo in trials but was aboard for the first time on raceday on Saturday. “After doing the form this morning, the race panned out as I expected,” she said. “There’s not much of a choice from the inside barrier and I just kept him in a comfort zone. We got around the leader’s heels in the straight and he showed a good turn of foot going through the gap.”
Playing God stands for a $49,500 service fee with Splintex ($11,000) and Lightsaber ($6,600) at Darling View Thoroughbreds. All fees (inc GST).
