The Mighty Warrior delivers on debut for Roche

Dennis Roche-trained The Mighty Warrior had a memorable debut at Donaldson Park on Saturday night, after scoring by a head from Goldngalaxy in the Tint City/Sign City Pace (2130m). Driven by Emily Suvaljko, Roche’s gelding displayed tremendous heart in the dying seconds to scorch past Goldngalaxy from out wide. Ideally positioned one out and one back at the bell, Suvaljko elected to push the button with The Mighty Warrior midway down the back straight, moving him out three-wide — a maneuver which ultimately secured the win. Roche’s gelding is no stranger to pacing royalty, given the fact he is a full brother of WA pacing champion Imthemightyquinn. It was also a successful meeting for Capel trainer-reinsman Aiden De Campo, who finished with a double courtesy of Major Corrida and Floewriter. At Gloucester Park, rank outsider Wildwest shocked a star-studded field to claim the $450,000 Tabtouch WA Pacing Cup (2936m) by half a head over Miracle Moose, while iconic pacer Chicago Bull ran third. Rated a $91 chance, Wildwest came from four back on the pegs at the bell, with Callan Suvaljko producing a brilliant drive to greet the judges. Further back in the field, North Boyanup’s Hurricane Harley finished seventh for trainer Justin Prentice.