HOME-TOWN trainer Adam Trinder and visiting Victorian apprentice Jake Bayliss dominated the opening meeting of the winter carnival at Spreyton yesterday, each winning three races.
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Glenn Stevenson, also based at Spreyton, got a double with Royal Bluff and Classic Outlaw while apprentice Hayley McCarthy scored on Koutoufides and the highly promising Tennessee Drive.
Trinder unearthed a possible summer cups contender when former Sydney stayer Big Time scored a tough first-up win over 1650 metres in the Benchmark 82 Handicap.
Ridden by Bayliss, Big Time stalked the leader Makes Cents all the way and proved a shade too strong in the run home.
A former member of the Chris Waller stable, Big Time is now raced by Wayne Roser and Chelsea Goodrick.
‘‘I thought he could win – I would have been disappointed if he didn’t,’’ Trinder said.
‘‘We brought him down here for the Launceston Cup but he’d had a fair bit of racing and I think he was worn out.
‘‘Since his break, he’s regained his enthusiasm and has been trialling really well.’’
Trinder has his sights on the Tapeta Distance Series, which has a $20,000 prelude on August 17 and $25,000 final on August 31.
‘‘He will have another break after those two runs then we’ll get him ready for the summer cups,’’ the trainer said.
First win
LONGFORD trainer Monica Ryan won her first race when Smartie Artie blitzed his rivals in the Benchmark 62 Handicap.
Another winner for Jake Bayliss, Smartie Artie sat fourth before rounding up the leaders on the home turn and drawing clear.
He is only the second horse that Ryan has taken to the races, following Crown Consul.
‘‘This is Smartie Artie’s fourth run for me and a lot of the credit for his win goes to Sherry Barr who rides him all his trackwork,’’ the trainer said.
‘‘She’s done a great job and really had him primed for today.’’
Ryan, the daughter of successful trainer Bill Ryan, has only the one horse in work.
Cup target
BRIGHTON trainer Terry Evans has his sights on the rich 3YO Cup at Mowbray in December with smart youngster Concrete Johnny.
The God’s Own gelding made it two wins from two starts since a spell when he cruised home by four lengths in the Class 2 Handicap.
In a race where there looked to be plenty of speed, Concrete Johnny was untroubled to lead and gave David Pires an armchair ride.
‘‘I might bring him back here for another run in a fortnight then he’ll have a little break,’’ Evans said.
‘‘He’s a lovely horse with a great attitude – he’s easy to handle and train.’’
Evans shared the credit for Concrete Johnny’s win with his track riders Sarah and Mel Cotton.
‘‘They will both be thrilled,’’ he said.
Winning return
OWNER Joe O’Neill was full of praise for trainers Charlie Goggin and Luella Meaburn after promising filly Rumeron won first-up in the Maiden Plate.
Rumeron was runner-up in the Magic Millions 2YO last season but O’Neill always expected her to improve with age.
‘‘She used to over-race and Charlie and Luella have done a lot of work teaching her to settle,’’ the owner said.
‘‘They’ve given her a lot of trials and it’s worked a treat; they’ve done an excellent job.’’
O’Neill bought Rumeron at the Adelaide Magic Millions sale.
‘‘She’s a nice filly and I expect her to go on,’’ he said.