Trainer Tony Noonan says it is hard to believe that a horse that is seven years old with 44 starts under the belt has only just matured.
But that is what the Mornington horseman thinks of Governor Landy who took out the Ranvet National Apprentice Race Series (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday.
Similar to It’s Toronado Storm who was successful at Mornington on Saturday, Governor Landy is getting better with age landing his fifth win from 44 starts, and a shade more than $200,000 in prize money.
Ridden by apprentice Alana Kelly, Governor Landy ($7) scored a 1-½ length win from Rathlin ($5.50) with Peidra ($8) a further 1-¼ lengths away third.
Kelly allowed Governor Landy to settle back in the small seven horse field before striding up three wide to join in before the turn.
“I said to her he’s a horse you can’t fight,” Noonan said.
“I know he’s seven, and it doesn’t usually work that way, but he’s only just starting to mature.
“We spent a lot of time with him where he wanted to over-race, but now he gets into a good rhythm, his breathing is right, and he’s been quite strong.”
Despite being a 64-rater heading into Wednesday’s contest, Noonan is looking ahead to the inaugural Good Friday meeting at Sale on April 15.
Noonan said suitable races for the gelding may be the $100,000 Benchmark 64 (1600m) or the $150,000 Country Series Final (1500m), a Benchmark 70 race.
“He’s in great form and the people that are in him have had a great run with him,” Noonan said.
“He’s won over $200,000 in prize money and I’d like a few more like him.”
“There’s the 64 race there and he’d cop a bit of weight, but I there’s also a benchmark 70 race that he could go to.
“The prize money is good, so there’s a bit to think about.”