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David Harrison claims unlikely Pinjarra double, though the top trainer was far from surprised

Hayden KingThe West Australian
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David Harrison celebrated a Pinjarra double.
Camera IconDavid Harrison celebrated a Pinjarra double. Credit: Simon Merritt/Western Racepix

David Harrison celebrated a Pinjarra double with both Dennis Choux and Sunbronzed saluting at handy odds, though the victories came as no surprise to the long-standing top trainer.

Dennis Choux, a $13 TABtouch chance, was positioned midfield by Pat Carbery but was almost 10 lengths from tearaway leader Grand Reserve ($4.80) working through the opening 600m of the 2200m trip.

As the field compressed approaching the home turn, Carbery pulled the chestnut four wide at the 600m mark to begin a sustained effort.

Once wound up, the seven-year-old raced to the leaders passing the 200m and romped away to win by two lengths from Duchees Demerit ($9.50).

Dennis Choux had previously only raced at a maximal distance of 1750m when finishing a nine-length 10th at Geelong prior to arriving in WA, where 1600m was the most Harrison had subsequently tested him.

Later, Sunbronzed ($7.50) began speedily from the 1300m start but was crossed by the urgent God’s Gate ($6.50), who blitzed over and ran to the top.

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Camped behind the free-rolling pacesetter, Joey Azzopardi eased Sunbronzed to the outside rounding the bend and soon raced past God’s Gate with 375m to go.

Though drawing a length clear, the flashy four-year-old couldn’t run away from his rivals, with Close Talker ($3.60f) and Uncle Gerard ($23) looming out deeper.

But Sunbronzed kicked on strongly to win by three quarters of a length from God’s Gate, who rallied manfully to hold second place.

Harrison was shocked by the value on offer with Sunbronzed, who was available at a top betting fluctuation of $9.

“I can’t believe the price. Both mine today were well overs, so I was rapt,” he said.

“He won very well. When he loomed up, I thought he was going to win by three or four (lengths), but he probably just peaked a bit second-up over the 1300m.

“I was on good terms with myself until he started to paddle a little bit.

“His best runs last prep were over the 13 and 1400m. I don’t think he’s going to go on to be a long-distance horse, anyway. I think 1400m will probably stop him.”

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