Second in the Listed Fairetha Stakes twelve months ago, Rope Them In cracked it for a Group III win in Saturday’s Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) at Ascot.
Disadvantaged in his last two starts by a moderate speed, the Steve Wolfe-trained son of Playing God found conditions to suit when launching down the centre of the track under Shaun Mc Gruddy.
The favourite Western Empire (Iffraaj) was held up at a critical time before rocketing home to be beaten three-quarters of a length.
The late-finishing Saloon Bar (Sessions) was a length and a quarter back in third.
“I always thought he was an 1100m-1200m horse. He thought he was miler early,” Wolfe said.
“He is a really nice horse who hasn’t had much luck this time. It was a beautiful ride, three deep in the line.
Wolfe said the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes is on the radar.
A $60,000 purchase for Commercial Bloodstock Services P/L (FBAA) from the Willaview Park draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, Rope Them In, advances his record to seven wins, three seconds, and a third from 15 starts with earnings of $695,655.
He is the best of four winners for the 6-time winner Lead Rope (Real Jester) whose dam Gay Abadon (Jugah) is a half-sister to Vainquer, the dam of Tom’s Six (Blackfriars) whose wins included the Listed WATC All Stars Stakes, Belgravia Stakes, Fairetha Stakes and Ngawyni Stakes.
Lead Rope was retired in October. Her final foal is a yearling gelding by Maschino.
Rope Them In is the 22nd stakes-winner for Darling View Thoroughbreds Playing God.
