BRIGHTON-based trainer Paul Maher will consider aiming his talented grey mare Grey Gown at the Newmarket Handicap next month following her game last-stride win in a class two handicap over 1200 metres in Launceston last night.
Grey Gown (Brendon McCoull) settled at the rear of the six-horse field while outsider Golden Aces made play in front ahead of the favourite Just Mouse that settled well for in-form jockey Daniel Ganderton.
Just Mouse kicked clear at the top of the home straight and at one stage looked set for victory but when McCoull called on Grey Gown for the big effort in the straight she responded well and grabbed victory in the shadow of the post with the Charlie Goggin and Luella Meaburn-trained Downwind an eye-catching third.
“This looked an ideal race for the mare because she was down in grade compared to what she contested last start and up to a more suitable distance,” Maher said.
“I’ll have a talk to the owners because at one stage we were considering looking at the Newmarket with this mare.”
“But if we don’t go to that race next month there are other suitable races that we have in mind,” he said.
Grey Gown has won three and been placed seven times from only 15 starts for $42,000 in stakes.
Grey Gown has won twice in Tasmania and she is the only horse to salute for Maher since he arrived in Tasmania from Victoria earlier this year.
Maher has a team of 12 at Brighton with Grey Gown his stable star.
McCoull was happy with the result.
“I’ve been at Paul (Maher) for ages to ride this mare so I’m glad we’ve been able to deliver at my first attempt,” McCoull said.
“I would be very happy to stick with her because she is a very genuine racehorse that tries hard and that alone is going to win her more races,” he said.