Rope Them In signed off the Belmont season with a hands-and-heels victory on Saturday leaving trainer Steve Wolfe with Group 1 options going into the Ascot summer carnival.
The latest rising star by champion sire Playing God resumed from a spell to end the unbeaten run of Amelia Park mare Toropa (Toronado) in the Drummond Golf Hcp (1200m). He went out a $2.50 favourite and confirmed Wolfe’s pre-race prediction that he’s a ‘top-liner’ in the making.
“I could not have been be happier after he zipped home behind Ripcord at the trials last week,” Wolfe said as Shaun McGruddy returned to scale on the winner. “He had to carry 60kg today but you have to be positive and I was sure he could handle it.”
Rope Them In (Photo / Western Racepix) will race next in a BM78 over 1400m at Ascot’s opening day on October 12. He holds Group 1 nominations for the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and Railway Stakes (1600m) with Wolfe preferring WA’s premier sprint on Saturday, November 30.
McGruddy was on the same page after pushing through a gap at the top of the straight to improve the gelding’s record to 6 wins in 12 starts for prizemoney of $565,000 that includes Westspeed Bonuses of $240,000.
“That was a soft win,” the stable jockey reported. “He’s only a pony but he’s got a motor and raced clear with a good turn of foot after going through that gap. ‘Wolfie’ can keep him fresh for the Winterbottom and the Gold Rush would also suit him over 1400m.”
Rope Them In (4g Playing God – Lead Rope by Real Jester) was bred by Noel Carter, his brother Peter and son Duran along with good mate Matt Marlow and they kept a share after he was sold by Willaview Park (as agent) for $60,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions.
Earlier on Saturday, Wolfe was in the frame as the breeder of Classic Rogue (Dick Turpin) who won the Perth Racing Staff Hcp (1600m). He’s one of five winners from All Class (Euclase) who carried Wolfe’s colours and McGruddy to five wins topped by the 2009 Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m).
Darling View Thoroughbreds stands Playing God for $49,500 with Splintex ($11,000) and Lightsaber ($6,600). Service fees (inc GST). Stud manager Brent Atwell can be contacted for bookings or more information on 0408 648 100.
