Anzac shows fighting spirit

Winner of his August Gift heat at the same venue the previous weekend, Spirit Of Anzac was unable to undergo his usual training return ahead of the Final after becoming ill.

Pushing ahead with the son of Bettors Delight, trainer Jack Trainor was more hopeful than confident Spirit Of Anzac would show enough grit in the Group Three.

“He got sick after his heat and I wasn’t sure he’d even get to the Final at the start of the week,” Trainor said.

“He got better with each day, but I wasn’t able to get the work into him as I normally would.

“I was just hoping his class would be enough to get him through despite the interrupted week he had.”

To Trainor’s delight, Spirit Of Anzac displayed just enough tenacity to remain unbeaten from three starts since crossing the Tasman.

With Blake Fitzpatrick in the cart, Spirit Of Anzac led throughout to score by a head from the fast-finishing Surfers Delight.

Ardens Ace was a half-neck away third in 1:52.8 over the mile.

“The line couldn’t get there quick enough,” Trainor said. “He got tired towards the end, but that’s not a surprise given the week he had.

“The pleasing part is he got there in the end.

“I’ll give him a week off now then get him ready for a similar heat and Final series at Menangle next month.”