THORN MAN delivered his best performance this preparation to emerge triumphant in the Wynyard Cup over 1880 metres on his home track at Devonport on Sunday.
With apprentice rider Bulent Muhcu aboard, Thorn Man came from last to score a last-stride win from Shipspotting with race leader Another Lad Al hanging on for third a clear margin astern.
It was the former Queensland gelding’s fourth win in succession but clearly his best since joining the Michael Trinder stable.
He was purchased last year for an undisclosed sum by Rochelle Loane who originally intended training the half-brother to former star Queensland sprinter Show A Heart.
But when the horse developed feet problems she called on Trinder to take over the training.
After his first start for Trinder in July last year he was sent for a spell.
He resumed with an eye-catching fourth in Launceston in a class one handicap in Launceston and after three consecutive minor placings he broke through for an impressive win in Hobart over 2100 metres.
He has won his past three and Trinder is hoping he has one more win in him this preparation.
“When he first came to me he was almost six years old and had won one race for a reputable trainer (Robert Heathcote) so I thought I had the job ahead of me,” Trinder said.
“But I think the change of environment has probably helped.”
“I’ve given him plenty of work, including swimming, and he’s just kept improving,” he said.
This latest win was outstanding given he was able to win against the racing pattern on the day.
“It’s been hard to win from behind today and at the 600-metres I thought he had no chance,” Trinder said.
But Thorn Man kept grinding away and when Muhcu called on the six-year-old for the big effort about 100 metres out he gave his all to win in the last bound.
Thorn Man is likely to progress to the Deloraine Cup over 1880m at Devonport on Easter Monday (April 21).