UPDATE: A stunning tactical shift propelled Blake Jones to victory in the MIA Breeders Plate on November 3, 2023, as he led from the start with Im No Trouble, securing his third win in five editions of this prestigious race in Leeton.
Jones’s bold strategy stunned even seasoned competitors, including Michael Hawke, trainer of the favored horse, Neptunite. Im No Trouble, sent off at $4.40, turned the tables on Neptunite, who was the odds-on favorite at $2.10, finishing the race with a mile rate of 1:55.9 and winning by 2.1 meters.
Jones expressed his elation, stating, “It’s always a race I love winning and I don’t think I’ll get sick of winning that’s for sure.” The victory not only adds to Jones’s impressive record but also marks his fourth triumph in the $30,600 feature, previously winning with Business In Motion (2013), Sugar Apple (2021), and Mr Bondi (2023).
Hawke, who has trained horses for over three decades, hailed Im No Trouble as the best horse he has ever had. “It was beautiful, a big surprise and a real good feeling,” he said. Hawke noted that the two-year-old’s performance exceeded expectations, especially after leading the race from the start.
Jones, who has been driving Im No Trouble for the past four races, acknowledged the importance of his early lead. “I didn’t think I could beat Bruce (on Neptunite) if he was in front of me,” he explained. “Once I was able to keep in front of him, I thought it was a big play.”
This monumental win continues a remarkable month for Hawke, who also celebrated victories in the NSW Breeders Challenge Western Region 2YO finals with Machx The Stranger and Im No Trouble, as well as another feature win at Dubbo with Vin Number.
The excitement surrounding the MIA Breeders Plate underscores its significance in the racing calendar, with both trainers and fans eagerly awaiting what’s next for these outstanding competitors. As for Blake Jones, his winning streak shows no signs of slowing down, promising thrilling future races for horse racing enthusiasts.
