Pack Plays has now competed 17 times, securing five victories, with four of those triumphs notably coming at the distance of 6 ½ furlongs.
That fifth career win—and fourth at his favoured trip—was delivered on Saturday, January 31, in the prestigious Grade One Eileen Cliggott Memorial Trophy.
True to his affinity for the distance, Pack Plays entered the contest with trainer Rowan Mathie Jr opting for equipment adjustments, fitting both blinkers and a tongue tie.
Partnered by Christopher Mamdeen, Pack Plays produced a commanding front-running performance. Straight from the break, he seized the lead and never looked back, powering home to a decisive 2 ¾ length victory in a final time of 1:19.0, after splits of 24.0, 47.2, and 1:12.3.
Mamdeen wasted no time once the gates opened, immediately taking charge ahead of Digital One (Dane Dawkins), Supremasi (Jaheim Anderson), Girvano (Robert Halledeen), and Of A Revolution (Raddesh Roman).
Throughout the journey, Pack Plays was unwavering, showing grit inside the final furlong and maintaining his stride to the wire. He responded willingly when asked in deep stretch, securing the win with authority. Of A Revolution closed late to claim second, while Digital One held third.
In his post-race reflections, Mathie was quick to commend his team’s discipline and attention to detail.
“I didn’t have any worries in the race, I knew that he would be the lone speed in the race and so he just had to go in front and take it from there. He was reprogrammed and he came in a little bit lighter in weight as well and he performed very well,” Mathie said. “I am satisfied with how he ran; it is early days in the season and so we just have to watch him and see how he comes out of this race and take it from there,” the trainer added.
Mamdeen, equally assured, spoke with confidence about his mount. “Coming into this race the trainer didn’t give me any instructions. I have been on this horse for the last two weeks and so I knew him pretty well. “I was comfortable throughout the race and so I had no worries whatsoever. From I broke from the gates, it was just easy flow. I mean, he didn’t come off the bit for even a second. He had a lot in the tank left,” Mamdeen said.
