After initial hesitancy from connections, Iowa has rubber-stamped his incursion into WA racing and ominously hovers over the upcoming Kalgoorlie carnival after another successful performance at Belmont on Saturday.
Validating Darby Racing’s presence in Perth, the Galileo seven-year-old, with apprentice Luke Campbell aboard, proved too talented and too strong for his rivals in the Quayclean Handicap (2200m), winning by nearly a length.
Darby Racing are no strangers to WA, enjoying ultimate success with Overpass , who has made Ascot his second home, plundering Perth’s richest race, The Quokka (1200m), twice and the Group 1 Winterbottom (1200m) in the past two years.
Iowa is Darby Racing’s first horse domiciled in WA and they couldn’t be happier he’s under the care of local gun trainer, Simon Miller.
“It’s been an amazing start with Simon, such a terrific trainer,” Scott Darby said on Tabradio.
“What I like most with what Simon and his team have done is we’ve had a plan from day one and they’ve executed it to a tee.
“It’s not always easy bringing a horse from the east coast, his form has been up and down, but with Simon we’re heading in the right direction.”
Following his first-up fourth in July over a mile, Iowa has pocketed $90,800 in his three Perth races with the threat of more to come in Kalgoorlie.
It took some cajoling, but his owners are now more than satisfied that Iowa has made the move west and rediscovered his staying potential.
“The owners are beside themselves,” Darby said.
“A lot were not on board and didn’t want the horse moved across.
“He’s a horse that still had plenty to offer.
“I first suggested to Simon to bring a sprinter, but he said Perth’s sprinting ranks are really strong.
“He said you would be better off with a stayer as the staying ranks aren’t as stronger.”
Darby said Iowa is getting close to tackling his main goal this preparation.
“Simon always said the Boulder Cup and then into the Kalgoorlie Cup,” Darby said.
“I’m not familiar with those races, myself, but I’m sure I’ll familiarise myself with that horse heading that way.
“For a horse that was in and out over here, to rejuvenate his form at the age of seven is fantastic.
“I think there will be an army of owners coming across, so look out.”
The Listed Boulder Cup (2100m) is run on September 22 and the Listed Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m) on October 5.
Iowa capped the second-leg of a double for Miller after Madhi Girl made a successful return from a spell.
Ridden by Steven Parnham, the Winning Rupert filly came from last to grab Cleanemup in the last stride.
