William Pike Rides Four Winners at Ascot After Entering Day Booked to Ride All 10 Favourites
Western Australia's leading jockey, William Pike, experienced a rare and remarkable honour at Ascot's Saturday racing program, mounting every early market favourite across the 10-race card. Despite the immense pressure and high expectations, Pike yielded four winners, showcasing his skill and resilience in a day filled with both triumphs and near-misses.
A Day of High Stakes and Mixed Fortunes
Entering the event with all 10 favourites, Pike faced the unique challenge of a 'Pike Tax', where his presence on a horse often shortens its odds, potentially inflating expectations. His winning tally, while falling short of a perfect sweep, was hardly a disappointment in the unpredictable world of horse racing.
The day began with setbacks, as Afireofgidgeecoals, drifting to $4 at start time, failed to muster pace and finished a distant ninth of 10 runners. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the colt was slow to recover, clearly not showing his best form. However, Pike quickly turned the tide in the second event, guiding Fancy Red ($2.10f) to a victory over Asif ($2.45), much to the delight of his backers.
Notable Wins and Missed Opportunities
Snow God ($1.75f) jumped well but travelled wide throughout, ultimately managing only sixth place, two-and-a-half lengths behind the surprise winner Pingers ($41). In contrast, Wonderfully Made ($1.65f) stamped herself as a force to be reckoned with, romping to victory in the Listed $125,000 1000 Guineas (1800m) without Pike even needing to use his whip. This win marked Pike's second of the day and highlighted the filly's potential for the upcoming Oaks-Derby double.
'She was a little bit stop-start in the run, so we can still improve a little bit in her mannerisms,' Pike commented after the race. 'But she's pretty nice. Hopefully lots was left in the tank; she felt like she did it well within herself.'
Other favourites, such as Southern Firetail ($3.70) and Amaroo Star ($2.15f), failed to deliver, with the latter struggling to find rhythm in an event won by Santanova ($4.60). Pike did secure another victory in race seven with Magical Sequence ($1.70f), but Dominatus ($2.30f) could not respond to a lovely steer in the Listed $125,000 Lex Piper Stakes (1600m), finishing behind The Crimson Pirate ($3.90).
Pike's Perspective and Future Prospects
Reflecting on Dominatus's performance, Pike noted, 'He was a bit below his best. We had a nice, economical run. The winner was probably just too good today, anyway, but he still could have run a nice second or third. Overall, bit disappointing, see how he pulls up.'
In the ninth event, Hubble's Dragon ($2.10f) could only manage a plain fifth-place finish, but Pike saved his best for last. In typical style, he delivered a swamping run on Malletier ($4) to swallow King Adviso ($8.50) over the final 50m, securing his fourth win of the day.
After dismounting, Pike was met by a crew of supportive fans, quipping, 'I've done something because they're still chanting my name instead of booing me. I had a great day, four winners. Expectation is what it is. 10 would have been nice and I normally have a pretty big violin and whinge a bit, but I'm not whinging about four.'
Looking ahead, there's every chance that Pike will have a less attractive book of rides at next Saturday's Ascot card, yet he may still boot home as many winners, or even more, proving that in horse racing, surprises are always around the corner.
