Captain Kobe delivers on promise : "he was absolutely on point"

By Mike Love

It took Captain Kobe five starts to show his true worth and yesterday the Steve Dolan-trained pacer couldn't have been more impressive in kick-starting Addington's 10 race programme.

In race 1, the Protocol Restaurant and Bar Mobile Pace, the Captaintreacherous three-year-old produced the most one-sided contest of the day, winning by more than 10 lengths.

“I was really pleased with how far he’s come and he showed his worth yesterday,” said Dolan.

Captain Kobe was able to lead off the gate with driver Sam Thornley. After being looked at from the 1350m, Captain Kobe remained in front for the rest of the journey before careering away from the 400m, posting a mile rate of 1:58.1 and closing sectionals of 57.6 and 28.7.

“It was a massive drop down in grade. I felt he was absolutely on point this week and it showed.”

“He’s always been quite a nice horse. He should go on with it.”

Dolan acquired Captain Kolbe via Gavelhouse and is raced by J C International LTD.

“He was passed in at the yearling sales, then we got him off gavelhouse. He was a cheap enough by for a Captaintreacherous. He showed enough talent as a two-year-old but I just wanted to give him more time.”

Yesterday was his first win in five starts, with Dolan saying he needed time to strengthen and become more tractable.

“He’s a lovely kind big horse. He wasn’t very straightforward early on, but that probably came more from the mare Millwood Minisota who can throw out a spicy one now and then. He’s perfect now and has really come to it. He doesn’t wear any steering gear - just a snaffle bit, no murphy blind, no overcheck and no pole. He’s a happy horse.”

As for what is next for Captain Kobe remains to be seen. Dolan admits the gelding now faces a stiff rise in company.

“It’s actually a big jump up for him now. His future may be offshore.”

Captain Kobe’s victory gave junior driver Sam Thornley a race-to-race double, also winning with Ucanthandlethetruth in race 2 for trainers Peter and Mitchell Robertson while Samantha Ottley also drove a double on the card with Don Juan for Matt Purvis and Henry Winkler for Sam Smolenski.