LIGHTLY raced three-year-old Esspressardo made it three wins from as many starters in the space of a handful of meetings for prominent owners Ron and Trudy Schwanke when the Gary White-trained colt scored an emphatic victory in the Platinum Ridge Cherries 3YO and Upwards Maiden over 1400m at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart on Sunday.
The Schwankes other winners were What A Life at Devonport last Sunday week, also trained by White and the Barry Campbell-trained Just A Beach that won under lights in Launceston on March 28.
It was Esspressardo’s third start but he took on a guise more like a seasoned professional as he strolled to a 1-3/4 length victory over Genuine Gee Gee with Won To Watch almost three lengths away third.
Esspressardo was ridden superbly by Stephen Maskiell who had the striking colt positioned no wore than midfield and poised to pounce when the field wheeled for home.
When Maskiell called on the son of Delago Brom to extend in the home straight he let down like a very good horse and had the race safely in his keeping a long way from home, despite doing a bit of stargazing when he hit the front.
The win formed part of a treble for Maskiell who has now moved to within a half a win of Brendon McCoull in the race for the jockeys’ premiership.
Maskiell also won aboard Unaoked for Leon Wells and the Dianne Ray-Luttrell-trained Spy Wears Prado.
Listen to what trainer Gary White had to say about Esspressardo’s maiden win – click here .
Tasmanian Jockeys’ premiership table click here .