UPDATE: In a stunning display of strategy, jockey Blake Jones has clinched victory at the MIA Breeders Plate, solidifying his dominance in this prestigious race. The event unfolded on Friday night in Leeton, where Jones guided Im No Trouble to a breathtaking win, turning the tables on the favored Neptunite.
Jones’s tactics were a game-changer, as he pushed his horse to the front early on, a move that even surprised trainer Michael Hawke. “Blake had me worried for a while there when he went straight to top, but he knew what he was doing,” Hawke remarked. This victory marks Jones’s fourth win in the $30,600 feature, adding to his previous successes with Business In Motion (2013), Sugar Apple (2021), and Mr Bondi (2023).
Im No Trouble, priced at $4.40, showcased impressive speed, finishing 2.1 meters ahead of Neptunite, who was the favorite at $2.10. This win elevates Im No Trouble’s record to four victories and one second from five starts this season, highlighting the horse’s remarkable form.
Jones expressed his emotional connection to the race, stating, “It was unreal… It’s always a good race to win, I’ve been coming to this race since I can remember going to the races. It’s always a race I love winning.” His passion for the event was palpable, and the big salute at the finish line underscored how significant this win is for the 36-year-old jockey.
Hawke, who has trained for over 30 years, praised the two-year-old he bred and owns as the best horse he has ever had. “Coming down here, I said to (daughter) Melissa if we could run a place I’d be real happy, but when he found the front I don’t think he’s ever been run past at home,” Hawke said, reflecting on the thrilling performance.
In a strategic move, Jones recognized that maintaining the lead was crucial against Neptunite. “When the fields came out I wasn’t 100 percent sure whether I had the gate speed to lead or not, but I didn’t think I could beat Bruce (on Neptunite) if he was in front of me,” he explained. His instincts paid off as he managed to keep Neptunite behind him, which proved pivotal in securing the win.
Jones has driven Im No Trouble for its last four starts, and his confidence in the horse is evident. “I was probably lucky Melissa couldn’t drive him in his second start… I said when I got off him ‘geez Melissa is going to have a tough job to get the drive back on this thing if I’ve got any say in it,’” he recalled, sharing his delight in the partnership.
The success at the MIA Breeders Plate caps off a remarkable month for Hawke, who has also triumphed in both the NSW Breeders Challenge Western Region 2YO finals and the Red Ochre feature race with Vin Number. “You feel good winning a race like this,” Hawke concluded, underscoring the emotional highs of their recent achievements.
As the excitement from this victory reverberates through the racing community, all eyes will be on Blake Jones and Im No Trouble for what comes next in their racing journey. Fans eagerly await further developments as the season progresses, making this a momentous occasion not just for Jones and Hawke, but for all supporters of harness racing.
