From sacked hack to promising prospect
HIGH-PRICED purchase Designer Vici continues to make the most of his last chance.
A $100,000 buy as a yearling, the half-brother to dual Group One winner Always Ready simply wasn't measuring up to expectations.
Sacked by multiple trainers, Designer Vici was on the verge of becoming a riding hack when a lifeline was offered to connections.
The trotter's six starts for three trainers failed to net a placing, with an average beaten margin of 77.6 metres!
An opportune conversation between part-owner Jerry Glavas and astute horseman Shane Hoban resulted in the flashy chestnut being given "his last hope to show anything" and Designer Vici hasn't let them down.
"I was talking to Shane and he said he wanted to give him a crack, so I had him sent over," Glavas said. "This was without doubt his last hope to show anything.
"In fact, I had already spoken to someone to offer him as a riding horse, but never heard back from them."
Affectionately-known as Apache, Designer Vici scored in Melton upon debut for Hoban, before being runner-up at his subsequent outing and then winning in Bendigo and now Ballarat last night.
With John Caldow in the cart, the son of Orlando Vici dashed to the lead from barrier four before cruising to a four-and-a-half metre win from Call Me Jack.
Paris Jamilla was a half-head away third in 2:01.2 over 2200 metres.
"Shane has put a lot of work and attention into this horse and is getting the results for his effort," Glavas said. "His problem is he is rough in his gait and even the farrier, Steven Said, makes special shoes for him.
"We've got a great group of owners in him, so to have him going this well is terrific and a testament to the individual care he is receiving.
"Given the way he trots, how far he can go remains to be seen, but for the moment, we're enjoying the fun."
Although Glavas remains reserved about Designer Vici's prospects, Hoban is certain the four-year-old can continue to work his way through the grades.
"He's a very nice trotter which is still on the way up," Hoban said. "He has taken a bit of working out, but he's got plenty of ability and should go a lot further."
