Photo Man Wins Flying Amy Classic Thriller

VICTORIANS Dave MacKenzie and Gavin Clifton described it as “super, massive and a bit of a relief”.

It was the victory of their star galloper Photo Man (Aston Dee Bee-Amlin Mystique) in the Group 2 Flying Amy Classic (520m) at Albion Park on Thursday night.

In a virtual repeat of last week's heat, Photo Man led throughout and held off a storming finish from fellow Victorian Amron Boy.

This week he held on by half a length in 29.77 with two and a half lengths to Black Magic Rose in third.

And this week he started the $3.50 favourite after drawing perfectly in the rails.

The win took his record to 10 wins in 22 starts and the $100,000 winner's purse brought his stakes earnings to $179,000.

“It's just unbelievable,” said Dave after the win. “We've been in a few Group races but to now win one is massive. Super. We are having a couple of bourbons to celebrate.”

MacKenzie described the win as a “bit of a relief”.

“He drew the right box for the final,” said Dave. “Everything has gone right on this trip. He settled in so well up here in Queensland. All the stars were aligned.”

Photo Man, a finalist behind She's A Pearl in the recent Million Dollar Chase, will stay in Queensland with Graham and Leeanne Hall to be prepared for up-coming Group races.

“He will run in the Group 3 Super Sprinters next week and then go into the Group 1 Brisbane Cup,” said Dave.

“It's no use taking him home to Victoria. He has done so well at the Halls and the weather up here is fantastic. He is doing so well.

“Gavin and I will fly back up here for the races. The dogs are so happy here.”

 

Albion Park Thur June 16 2022
Race 8, 2022 (Group 2) Flying Amy Classic Final. 520m
1st – Box 1 Photo Man – Gavin Clifton
2nd – Box 5 Amron Boy – Brooke Ennis
3rd – Box 3 Black Magic Rose – Fred Swain
29.77 (5.53 – 11.53 – 12.71) 1/2 x 2 1/2 pic.twitter.com/MQYP46NulO

— John Brasch (@Bunny_Brasch) June 16, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier in the night Bedrock Fred landed the Group 3 The Dashing Corsair (710m)  in an absolute romp for trainer Tony Brett running a flying 41.60.

The son of Spring Gun whizzed past favourite Rohan Bale heading into the back straight the second time around to score the easiest of victories.

The placings were filled by outsiders No Regrets and Magic Miss.

Bedrock Fred's stirring victory will see him a certain starter in next Thursday's four-dog Super Stayers over the 710 metre journey.