Watching Umberto win the Group 1 Ladbrokes Megastar at Dapto was the easier ride for Peter Lagogiane. The real stress and anxiety came earlier in the evening when he wasn’t sure whether Umberto and his kennelmate Stealth, would even make it to the boxes.
But they both did and leading from box 1 and carving out amazing sectionals of 5.30s and 16.97s, Umberto was able to hold off a very gallant Mortified to claim the Megastar trophy.
Lagogiane has been caretaker trainer of the two dogs since leading Victorian trainer Jason Thompson sent them north a few weeks ago. Lagogiane admitted he was concerned about having to make a call to Thompson to explain what was happening. He left that call until he arrived – almost out of time – safely at Dapto.
A truck accident on the Hume Motorway which impacted the M5 and M7, saw Lagogiane’s usual 90 minute trip turn into a 3½ hour nightmare. He called chief steward Wade Birch who allowed the kennels to remain open for just enough time for Lagogiane to arrive just before 7pm and kennel the two dogs.
“I’m not paying the M7 toll,” he was able to joke once safely at Dapto. “They can refund me that. I can tell you my palms were pretty sweaty, but kudos to the stewards for keeping the kennels open for us.
“We made it here and we’ve won it. We’ve done mission impossible.”
But the drama was almost forgotten when Umberto speared from the boxes and raced away with the Group 1 clocking 29.60s for the trip, and in the process not only winning his connections $75,000, but as an added bonus this year the first three placegetters are given a direct path to the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase semi-finals.
Mortified and third placegetter Remember This will join Umberto at Wentworth Park on October 6 for those semi-finals.
“Congratulations to Jason back in Victoria. Thanks for trusting us guys,” Lagogiane said. “When you run those sectionals to the back … Jason said he can run and he proved it tonight.
“But Mortified, what a mighty, mighty effort to run second and take ground off him.
“I think I was more nervous because it was someone else’s dogs that what I am with my own, but I can breathe a big sigh of relief now that that is all over.”
Trainer Chris O’Brien was delighted with the run of Mortified who ran the winner to two lengths after giving him about six or seven heading into the back straight.
“I’m pretty proud of her,” he said. “The one (Umberto) was too good on the night, he pinged out and 5.30s (first sectional) you don’t go much quicker than that.
“It’s still great to run second and she’s pulled up great, so we’ll march on from here.
“She has missed a lot of work and that run will do her the world of good.”
