Sprinter hits home in style
VETERAN sprinter Apriano proved he took ho harm from a first-up run in Launceston last week by scoring an emphatic win in the open handicap over 1200m at Elwick yesterday.
Apriano carried 61kg in his return to racing after the shutdown, but back on his home track and with only 55kg on his back, the John Luttrell-trained seven-yearold gave his rivals a lesson.
Luttrell was not trackside to see the win, but his daughter and stable foreman Nicole Luttrell said the gelding had thrived since his first-up effort in Launceston.
“Dad was very happy with how the horse pulled up after the run at Mowbray, and while he didn’t do too much with him during the week, he was confident the horse would be very hard to beat,” Luttrell said.
Jockey Troy Baker was full of praise for the son of Equiano.
“I’ve done a lot of work with this horse this preparation, and while I only got on his back once this week he felt super and John and I were sure he had taken no harm from his first-up run with that big weight,” Baker said. “He is a very courageous horse that always gives his all, so it’s a real pleasure to ride him.”
BRIGHTON trainer Terry Evans was all smiles after his two-year-old Swingin’ George scored a brilliant win in the Ladbrokes 2YO Maiden over 1100m. Swingin’ George came with a withering run in the home straight to haul in the leaders, with Daniel Ganderton in the saddle.
“I’ve always had an opinion of this horse and today’s win was not unexpected,”
Evans said.
“When you look at his form leading up to this race, his sectional times were very good, and his work has been top-shelf.
“If they run the Sires Produce Stakes [1400m] that was due to be run in May then I’ll most likely run him in that, but otherwise we will look at what’s available in the coming weeks.”