BRIGHTON trainer Tammy Mollross almost heaved a sigh of relief when her four-year-old Cheers Chappy broke through for an overdue win in a maiden-class one over 1600m at UBET Park Hobart today.
Cheers Chappy had not won since October last year, although in fairness he had only been to the races seven times leading up to today’s assignment.
With Bulent Muhcu aboard, the gelding settled back in the field and under instructions Muhcu had to ride him for luck and wait until the last 200 metres before asking his charge to sprint.
He followed Mollross’ instructions to the letter and hit the line the narrowest of margins clear of the well-backed Crib Point ($6 into $4) with the favourite Big Pegg rattling home late to grab third in a three-way photo finish.
“I told Bulent (Muhcu) to ride him for luck because it was the only way we could have won and he did a great job,” Mollross said.
“This horse has ability but he’s only got a sprint that lasts 150 metres max so he has to be ridden cold and saved for one sharp sprint and today that happened,” she said.
Big Pegg looked well out of contention on the turn but under strong riding from David Pires the Kelvin Hamilton-trained mare ran home late and may be looking for further.
By Peter Staples