Lot to Like about Mighty Like

Host gelding Mighty Like has returned to racing with a surprise first-up victory in the City of Ballarat Tonks Plate (1200m) at Ballarat.

Mighty Like (5g Host – Mighty Fine by Keltrice) started at $11 but belied that quote with a powerful finish to score by a neck from King Buddy and the favourite Tildy Lad. “He looked a little bit fat to me,” trainer Mick Price admitted on Saturday. “He’s a big, burly horse and I thought he would improve with the run so I was happy to get the win.

“He was a really gross young horse and took a couple of preps. His owner Julie Nicholson has been really patient and it’s good to see she’s got a winner.”

Mighty Like has only been beaten once at his last five starts in Victoria and Adelaide – that was back in May when he was left in front a long way from home at Sandown Lakeside. “He’s a progressive type,” Prince continued. “And I think he will get over more ground during the summer months.”

Swettenham Stud stallion Host (Chi) sired him from Mighty Fine who won races at Sandown (2), Moonee Valley and Caulfield for Nicholson and Price.