Venniker on fire for Roberts

GARTH PULLER, peerless in the saddle as a rider and a horseman of note.

- ANDREW HARRISON

With three of the seven runners in the Progress Plate that headed the card at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening, one was never sure which was the 'right' one, all on a different agendas.Best proved to be Cardinal Chief as Rachel Venniker booted home her third winner of the evening, the third of four, and three for Michael Roberts.

It was all to play for at the top of the straight as The Marquee led the way but Cardinal Chief gradually reeled him in, going on the win comfortably.

Fortress Of Fire

Fortress Of Fire lost his way after showing potential in a smart debut win. He was nowhere in a couple of juvenile features that left Michael Roberts puzzling.

Six months down the line and the son of Fire Away is finally for filling that early promise as he crushed a Class 4 against some useful opposition in the first leg of the Pick 6.

The field was cut to five runners given all the scratchings but after taking a few knocks after the start Rachel Venniker settled her mount in behind.

Keagan de Melo made an early dash for the line crossing the subway but Venniker had all under control allowing Fortress Of Fire to drift in without breaking his momentum.