UNFASHIONABLY bred four-year-old Yes Chef served up a disaster for punters in the opening race at Devonport today when he scored an impressive win at bolter’s odds.
Despite coming off an encouraging fourth at his previous start in Hobart on Melbourne Cup day the Di Ray-Luttrell-trained gelding delivered a knockout blow to punters when he won as the rank outsider paying $94 and $18 for the win and place respectively.
Ray-Luttrell was quietly confident going into the race as Yes Chef (Master Malebo-Picnic Chow) was stepping up in distance (1660m) which the trainer believed would enhance his winning chances.
It was a welcome change of luck for the trainer who has endured a lengthy drought from the winner’s circle.
It was a classy ride from apprentice John Lambie who allowed the gelding to settle better than midfield and crept him into the race and was poised to pounce turning for home.
He headed Yes Chef to the outside fence which presented the best going in the home straight and when Lambie called in his charge for the supreme effort he responded well and went on to score by a half-length from Antechs Boy with the heavily backed favourite Alberts Son a length away third.
Luttrell said she purchased Yes Chef for only $1200 at a William Inglis yearling sale in Melbourne.
Listen to what trainer Di Ray-Luttrell had to say about yes Chef’s win at Devonport – click here .