Run Liam Run impresses first-up

Classy Albany sprinter Run Liam Run produced a sensational first-up performance, sizzling home from last on the home corner to finish a close second in Saturday’s Addfuel Fcc Fuel Conditioner Handicap (1200m) at Ascot.

The Lyn Kiddle-trained gelding was a brilliant winner of the Fitzpatrick Plate back in April and then ran well behind smart horse So Who’s Harry twice at Belmont Park during the winter before being spelled.

The six-year-old returned in magnificent order, comfortably winning a trial at Mt Barker last month before his eye-catching first-up effort to finish second behind Tommy Who.

Apprentice jockey Shelby Bowtell rode Run Liam Run a treat, settling him back in the field after coming from barrier eight with 58.5kg on his back before charging home in the straight to get beaten by ¾ of a length and record the fastest final 600m by any horse on the day in 34.74sec.

Kiddle was thrilled with the performance of her stable star, which has won seven of 14 career starts.

“I thought he might have needed the run,” she said.

“But I was absolutely rapt, I was blown away by his turn of foot.

“To have the fastest final 600m is such a good effort.”

Kiddle is now weighing up her options with the Passenger gelding, who blasted onto the scene with four consecutive victories.

“There is another graduation race in Pinjarra in three weeks where he will probably carry 59kg or there is a 72+ 1200m race at Ascot on New Year’s Eve,” she said.

Meanwhile, star Albany sprinter Dream Lifter looks set to resume from a spell in the next few weeks after a soft trial victory at Mt Barker last Thursday.

The winner of more than $400,000 in stake money won a 1000m barrier trial by four and ¾ lengths for Mitchell Pateman, who sat quietly on the Paul Hunter-trained gelding.

It was a busy weekend for Great Southern riders, with Albany jockeys Natasha Faithfull and Shelby Colgate each riding a winner at Narrogin’s meeting on Saturday.