Champion Thoroughbreds | Champion Thoroughbreds News 61360 Sea Strike Toughs It Out For Gritty Victory At Albury Carnival

Pictured: Part-owner Adam with Ben Brisbourne after Sea Strike's win at Albury on Thursday

Promising stayer Sea Strike faced testing conditions on Day 1 of the Albury Carnival, with heavy rain falling throughout the day. Lining up in a field of 12 for the Class 1/Maiden Plate over 2000m, the four-year-old began fairly and settled midfield in a race run at a stop-start tempo.

Regular jockey Lachlan King, who has partnered Sea Strike in his last three starts, made a decisive move at the 600m mark when the pace quickened. In a thrilling finish, Sea Strike went toe-to-toe with race favourite and recent New Zealand import Pennine Way, who loomed large in the final 100m. Despite appearing beaten, Sea Strike dug deep to edge out his rival in a tight photo finish.

"The idea was to be as close as we could today without overdoing it," King said after the race. "I held a nice enough spot, but once we settled, the speed came out of the race. Being such a big horse, we were in a tricky spot. Luckily, some speed was injected at the right time, and he got a cart into the race when he needed it. He was just so tough to the line."

The imposing 17hh son of Sea The Stars is building an impressive resume, with 2 wins and 2 placings from just 6 starts. Both wins have come since joining trainer Ben Brisbourne at Wangaratta, who holds high hopes for the gelding as he continues to step up in distance.

Congratulations to his enthusiastic ownership group: Mperezive Racing, Mr R K Sweeney, Mrs T R Sweeney, Mr G C Green, Mr D C Harrop, Mr D H Long, Castagna syndicate, Mr P J Dunn, Mr G Seto, Jabradtral syndicate, Mr C D Hands, Sedgewyn, Mr T S Fisher, Mr J G Codner, Dream Team syndicate, Dr M Healy, 2023 1in5 Club, and Mr S Nagaratnam.