Horse of the Week: Casino Dancer

Published: 12 Oct 2015

Sydney's iron horse - Casino Dancer always 'puts in' when she hits the track

All the focus was on the Spring Champion Stakes on the weekend, and while the win of VANBRUGH was impressive, the most unlikely galloper stole the show just one race later.

Under the riding of young apprentice Winona Costin, 49 start veteran CASINO DANCER surged to the lead for a big win in the Angst Stakes over 1,600 metres.

The five-year-old war horse almost broke Ike's Dream's course record, a performance well and truly worthy of Horse of the Week.

Breeding

Sired by Casino Price from Nine Covers (Sire of Dam Twining)

Type

Five year old Bay Mare (female) born 23/10/2010

Features

Tough, Settles Well, OK Inside Horses, Cornering, Reliable & Genuine

Weaknesses

Lacks Stamina (2000m+)

Record

49 Starts for 5 Wins, 10 seconds, 4 thirds. Total Prize-money of $377,875.00

Career Wins

10/10/15 – McGrath Agents Angst Stakes (G3) at Randwick over 1600 m – Jockey Ms W Costin
3/12/14 – TAB Rewards Plate at Canterbury over 1900m – Jockey Lester Grace
5/11/13 – 198fm at Kembla Grange over 1300m – Jockey Ms W Costin
22/9/13 – Penrith Panthers at Hawkesbury over 1100m – Jockey J Kissick
25/7/13 – Gosford Motors Mdn Plate at Gosford over 1200m – Jockey Ms W Costin

Quick Facts

It was the biggest win of her career, after 16 previous unsuccessful tries at Randwick!
17 starts since her win at Canterbury and prior to that she had gone 24 starts without winning!
It was her first time in Blinkers, an idea that came from Mike's grandson Corey, who is the mare’s strapper.
Trainer/Owner Mike Van Gestel, Hawkesbury, a very small stable.
Bred at Patinack Farm. Casino Dancer is the 10th stakes winner by Vinery stallion Casino Prince.
Apart from Casino Dancer’s win at Canterbury, the win at Randwick on Saturday was the only win for Trainer Mike Van Gestel in the past 12 months.