PICKEN

17 May 2020

Price Bloodstock’s Picken was named after an Australian Rules player who was famed for his perseverance and courage and they were the qualities once again on show as the horse delivered his fifth career victory over the Sha Tin 1400m on Sunday.

The John Size-trained five-year-old’s biggest winning margin has been just over a length but more often his victories have been tight battles to the wire and he had half a length to spare this time as he took his career prizemoney past $5 million.

With a good pace to suit, Joao Moreira settled Picken back in the field, took him wide to make his finish in the straight and looked set for a more comfortable win until a rival emerged to challenge but Picken lifted his effort one more time.

He finished all out but a winner for the second time this season and now sits at his highest handicap rating ever at the top of Class 3.

“He’s in a tough spot now, right up in the weights but he has done a great job. You couldn’t ask much more of him,” said Size. “He’s very tough, loves a fight and tries his heart out. I’ve tried him at some other distances but the rhythm of the 1400m here just seems to suit him best.”