Apprentice Hayley McCarthy brought up her third victory on promising sprinter Tennessee Drive when they combined to narrowly win the Benchmark 72 Handicap at Spreyton on Sunday.
McCarthy won twice on the Troy Blacker-trained gelding last winter and has ridden him at both runs since a long spell – for a first-up sixth in Launceston on May 24 and Sunday’s nose win over Vandermeer.
Tennessee Drive has raced only six times for four wins and a very unlucky second.
The Mr Innocent gelding had a nine-month break from racing after his initial campaign but Blacker said that it wasn’t due to any injury.
“There was nothing wrong with him – we just decided to give him a decent spell and it turned out to be a little longer than we originally intended,” the trainer said.
“I’m pleased with the way he has come back.”
“He ran out of puff first-up but has got the job done today, even though it was only by a narrow margin.”
Tennessee Drive settled midfield on Sunday but was caught a little wide in a bunched field.
McCarthy started to go forward approaching the home turn and Tennessee Drive loomed four wide to challenge the leaders at the top of the straight.
He hit the front half way up the running and looked set for a comfortable win until Vandermeer drove through on the inside to get very close right on the line.
Picture and Story: Greg Mansfield (Examiner)
Related links:
- Watch the replay on Tasracing.com.au
- Race results
- News: Ex-jockey lands overdue win
- News: Raquel wins on debut