IF ever there was a horse deserving of a win it was Chainlocker that finally broke his maiden status at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart on Sunday.
The Craig Rowbottom-trained gelding had notched five minor placings from as many starts this preparation, many of which went agonizingly close to removing maiden status.
“He definitely deserved this win and it seems like it took an eternity for him to finally do it,” Rowbottom said.
“He’s had 13 starts and he’s had a cheque 11 times so I don’t think anyone will begrudge him this win,” he said.
Chainlocker (Ladoni-Merryworth) showed good speed but rider Michael Guthrie opted to ease his charge and take a sit in third spot and the plan worked perfectly.
But when Chainlocker cruised to the front he did what a lot of horses do who haven’t learned how to win.
“He got to the front and he waited for the others to come back at him so I had to get vigorous over the final stages,” Guthrie said.
“He’s a good horse but still has a lot to learn.”
“There’s no doubt he’ll be better over more ground and when he puts it all together I’d say he’ll string a few wins together,” Guthrie said.
Rowbottom was adamant the four-year-old has a future as a stayer.
“He’s out of a Runyon mare and he gives us all the indications that he will be a stayer,” the trainer said.
Chainlocker scored by only a neck from Egyptian Princess that was resuming from a lengthy spell.
Egyptian Princess showed a liking for the longer distances when last in work and her trainer Chris Crook was pleased with the mare’s first-up effort.
“This mare showed a lot of potential over longer distances without winning last preparation and it looks as if she has come back as we expected she would,” Crook said.
Egyptian Princess (Telesto-Royal Egypt) is raced by prominent owner Jim Scott.