A CHANGE in training regime for out of form gelding Aapennon led to a convincing win in a C4-C6 race over 2090 metres at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart tonight.
Aapennon ($5.90) was driven positively by Rohan Hadley who urged the six-year-old forward from his wide gate (7) and pushed on to find the front after travelling about 200 metres.
Once in front Hadley allowed the gelding to bowl along and sneak a modest second quarter.
But the winning move was to step up the pace 800m from home to slip in a slick third quarter (28.41sec) that had the opposition off the bit and chasing hard to keep in touch.
When Hadley released the reins nearing the home turn Aapennon burst clear and went on to score by five metres from Ashkalini ($5.90) with Duart Castle ($8.30) hanging on for third over two metres away.
The heavily backed favourite The Timely Trader ($2.70) ran on late to finish fourth.
Aapennon’s trainer Shelley Barnes said the gelding had been out of form due to a number of things including leg problems and poor barriers.
“I decided to change his training around and I’ve been riding him at the beach every day for the past week and he loved it,” Barnes said.
“He hasn’t got the best legs so we have to be careful not to do too much with him and the beach is and will be out best option to enable us to keep him in work,” she said.
Aapennon is owned by Geoff Lucas who was thrilled with this latest win.
“Shelley (Barnes) is doing a marvellous job with the horse and getting this win is great for both me and the trainer,” Lucas said.
Aapennon has been ka reasonable money spinner for his owner with this latest win his seventh from only 29 starts and he also has chalked up a dozen minor placings for just over $47,000 in stakes.
Hadley was confident about Aapennon’s winning chances because he made the trip down from Launceston for just the one drive.