No horse deserved to break a run of outs more than Ginger Baker at Ascot on Saturday.

The Gingerbread Man gelding saluted the judge for the first time since July 2021 when he toughed out a narrow victory over Sketta (Thorn Dancer) in the Crown Perth Hcp (1600m).  “He’s been unlucky and should have won at least one race this season,” said a relieved trainer Vern Brockman.  “He’s so honest and hasn’t been further back than fifth in seven starts this campaign.

“He’s not a big horse but had to carry 60kg today and Brad (Parnham) rode him to perfection.  He’s been up for a long time but was bucking and jumping around his yard this morning.  I will give him one more start before a spell – I can’t put him out after that win.”

Brockman, 80, is widely-respected and affectionately-known as the ‘Earl Of Vasse’ after a career highlighted by two Perth trainers’ premierships and two Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) victories with Alpine Wind (1977) and Old Fashion (2002).

Ginger Baker is by Yarradale Stud stallion Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) from Gold Coast winning mare Spring Violet (Encosta De Lago).

His NZ-bred second-dam Salsa (O’Reilly) had won the Listed VRC Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Flemington in 2005.

He has more than paid his way earning over $192,000 for Misty Valley Thoroughbreds owner-breeder Tony Patrizi who wasn’t as stressed as Brockman before the breakthrough on Saturday.  He had already bred a winner earlier at the Ascot meeting when Stellar Vista was successful in the Magic Millions Plate (1400m)

Stellar Vista (Star Witness) was sold for $80,000 through the Misty Valley consignment at the 2019 Perth Magic Millions.  She was purchased by trainer Simon Miller for a syndicate managed by Des Carvell and races in the same colours as $1.46 million earner Valour Road (Frost Giant).

The Ascot win completed a hat-trick and her future as a broodmare is already signed and sealed with a pedigree highlighted by third-dam Prima (Marscay) who is a half-sister to Zabeel.

Meanwhile, Gingerbread Man’s star sprinter Red Can Man trounced an Albany trial field by 8 lengths over 1000m last Friday.  Trainer Steve Wolfe reported it was a strong work-out under Natasha Faithfull ahead of a likely return to racing in the G3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Yarradale Stud stands Gingerbread Man ($5,500) alongside War Chant ($8,250).  Both fees (inc GST).

GINGER BAKER / Photo: Western Racepix