Gamble pays off

Trainer Leon Macdonald's decision not to send New Approach three-year-old Gamblin’ Guru for a spell following his defeat at Listed level at his previous start paid off with the gelding recording an all-the-way win in the Listed Geelong Classic over 11f October 23, defeating Street Cry colt Tupac Amaru by a long-neck with the third-placed horse a further eight lengths back.

Ridden positively by Steven Arnold, Gamblin’ Guru took the lead shortly after the start and set a steady tempo. The gelding kicked clear at the top of the straight and held off a late charge from Tupac Amaru to become New Approach’s 11th Stakes winner.

Bred by Toorak Park Stud, Gamblin’ Guru is the second live foal of Fusaichi Pegasus mare Glory Guru, a half-sister to triple G1 winner Gold Guru and G2 winner Gallant Guru, who won the Geelong Classic in 2005.

The sire of a European Champion Juvenile, a 2,000 Guineas winner, an Oaks heroine and a Derby second from his exceptional first crop, New Approach will be joined on the Darley stallion roster next season by his son Dawn Approach, who will be retiring to Kildangan Stud in Ireland.