IT has been a while since once prominent owner David Yaxley had a winner but if Talaq Downs continues to perform as he did at Spreyton today then the famous colours worn by champion Sydeston will be spending a lot of time in the winner’s circle in the coming months.
Talaq Downs (Stephen Maskiell) powered his way to an impressive win in a maiden/class one handicap over 1650 metres, scoring by a neck from race leader Elstmann with Overproof only a nose away third.
Talaq Downs (Churchill Downs-Dame Talaq) won a race at Spreyton in January and after one more outing he was sent for a lengthy spell.
He resumed with an eye-catching fourth at Spreyton two weeks ago and most pundits rated him in their top three chances for the raced.
Despite this he opened at $11 on fixed odds with Tattsbet that was quickly snapped up but there was plenty $8 on offer until all the following money saw his price tumble to $4 just prior to jumping.
It was a masterful ride from Maskiell who had the four-year-old gelding well placed in fifth spot and travelling comfortably after traveling only 400 metres.
Elstmann set a solid pace in front and he looked to be traveling like the winner nearing the home turn.
But hen Maskiell called on his charge for the big effort upon straightening the gelding eventually overhauled the well backed Willow The Wisp that edged out the race leader for the quinella.
Talaq Downs is trained by Charlie Goggin and Luella Meaburn with the latter predicting the gelding could end up tackling the major cups this season.
Listen to what co-trainer Luella Meaburn had to say about Talaq Downs’ win a Spreyton – click here .