STRIKE GOLD ALMOST STRIKES OUT AT TRIAL

But Le Grange-trained galloper recovers swiftly from tardy start to win in a canter

- Brian Miller

Even before they were loaded into the starting gates, we knew it was going to be no-contest.

Yes, on rating points alone, Strike Gold versus Wednesday was as one-sided as you could possibly imagine.

The one and only trial on the morning of Aug 20 was supposed to be a three-horse affair.

However, the withdrawal of Ocean Jupiter slashed the already small field down to just two runners.

And, as we were to find out later, David was not going to slay Goliath.

The gulf in class and rating points was just too awesome.

Strike Gold entered the fray on 66 points while Wednesday wallowed at 22.

So we sat back and anticipated the dullest of trials ever seen at the Kranji racecourse.

Who could anticipate what was to happen, though.

When the gates flung open, the big boy stood flat-footed and lowly rated Wednesday swept to the front.