Emotions are sure to overflow for owners Bob and Bill Laundess if the Chicka Pearson-trained Commanche Rose can make it back-to-back wins at Goulburn today.
Based at Murrumbateman on the Yass Plains southwest of Sydney, the Laundesses, who bred Commanche Rose (Agincourt-Montana Pearl), awoke on Saturday morning to tragedy.
Montana
Pearl, winner of 15 races, was found in her paddock with a badly snapped foreleg. The injury was so bad the mare had to be put down.
"It's real shame for Bob and Bill," Pearson said.
"They were planning to send Montana Pearl to a leading sire."
Commanche Rose, who tackles the Dubai's Choice At Glenrae Thoroughbreds Benchmark 55 Hcp (2100m) with Pearson's son Willie in the saddle, has not only inherited her mother's galloping ability but aggressive nature to boot.
"She was a bitch of a mare but John Scorse [her jockey] remembered she could really gallop," said Pearson.
"Commanche Rose is much the same. She kicks walls and the stable, rips off shoes and would bite you just for fun.
"But she's settling down. The penny is finally dropping."
Pearson, who is based at Batemans Bay, says beach work has helped settle the mare's cantankerous demeanour.
"I don't torment her on the track, I swim her in the middle of the day. There's a soft side to the mare, too," Pearson said.
"Like Montana Pearl, she's taken a bit of time to strike form but her last-start win was great."
Commanche Rose was most impressive scoring a 1-length last-start win over 2200m at the Sapphire Coast on June 12.
"She was pulling Willie out of the saddle at the 600m," Pearson said.
"The last 80m she put three lengths on them. She wouldn't have blown a candle out after the win, she's a great winded animal.
"Goulburn should suit her. It will take a good one to beat her."
- AAP
