aaron_bain | Aaron Bain News 60525 Thermodynamic

An intelligent ride by apprentice Brooke King enabled Thermodynamic to land the 2024 $40,000 Jim Barry Clare Valley Cup (1800m) on Sunday, December 1.

Trainers Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor have a good opinion of King who can claim 2kg in the country and had no hesitation booking her for Thermodynamic to bring his weight down to 54.5kg, just .5kg over the minimum.

The victory also broke a string of close seconds for ABR in the Gawler Cup, John Letts Cup and the Sportsbet Happy Trails Final King’s instructions were to lead and allow the five-year-old to bowl along in front which she did.

However, a rival, Sacred Kenshi, came from the rear to challenge shortly after mid- race, and rather than go with it, King allowed it to go clear but kept Thermodynamic in a good rhythm.

With 400 metres to travel, she bought the gelding to the outside, assumed control again and went for home.

Thermodynamic ($3.70 fav) wanted to lay in but was straightened by King and drew clear to win by 1-1/4 lengths from Imposing Suspect ($4.60) which had given chase with Sacred Kenshi ($5) a half-length away third.

Trainer Ned Taylor said it had been an excellent ride by Brooke King.

“It was a brilliant ride by Brooke,” Taylor said.

“She summed it really well.”

Taylor said Aaron Bain Racing was happy to use the apprentice.

“We put her on a few naughty ones at the trials early on, then she rode Myrtle Creek for us recently at Strathalbyn which almost should run have won.

“She is a good young kid and rides really well.”

Taylor said the increase in trip suited Thermodynamic.

“He has a few tricks, but I think getting him out to this type of trip suits him.

“Hopefully, he can continue on and give the owners a bit more fun"

Winning jockey Brooke King was overjoyed to land the Clare Cup win on Thermodynamic.

“It worked out beautifully,” King said.

“He got to the front and he pricked his ears and I thought we were going a bit quick, so I steadied him and we got a bit of a breather.

“I was not packing when that horse went around as it has done it before.

“It actually worked in our favour, it kept him honest right to the line.”