Trainer Tim Pike has kept his winning momentum rolling, adding another feature trophy to his cabinet just nine days after Reginald’s Port Hedland Cup (2200m) success. This time, it was his in-form runner Border Control who shone brightest, capturing the $40,000 Tabtouch Broome Sprint (1300m) to extend his incredible run of victories.
Already a standout on the Pilbara circuit thanks to five consecutive wins at Port Hedland – highlighted by the Richardson Sprint (1200m) – Border Control has thrived since swapping Sydney for Pike’s Broome stable, with the move proving a masterstroke.
Despite a slow break from the barriers, the $3.20 favourite surged home powerfully, overhauling rivals to score by 1 ½ lengths over Make Your Point. The win came courtesy of a smart, patient ride from last season’s Australian Provincial Champion Jockey, Natasha Faithfull, who settled in fifth before pouncing on an inside run when the leader drifted off the fence at the top of the straight.
“He’s an absolute machine,” Pike said. “He’s beautiful, a perfect horse. I was a little bit worried at the corner, but as soon as he picked up the bit away he went.”
Pike also praised Faithfull’s tactical ride. “Thanks Tash for the ride. It was ten out of ten,” he added.
Looking ahead, Pike indicated Border Control could enjoy a short break before targeting races in Albany, possibly mirroring the post-Broome Sprint campaign that saw Roy Rogers’ Espirito contest the Fitzpatrick Plate (1230m) and Mount Barker Sprint (1300m) last year.
Faithfull revealed she always felt confident despite the sluggish start. “I was travelling pretty strongly at the 600m,” she said. “I thought I had the upper hand. The leader rolled off and we got a nice run along the fence.”
The Broome carnival could yet deliver more silverware for Pike, with Reginald likely to line up in the Broome Cup on Saturday.
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