Change of luck gives Lattimer handy win

IMPROVED luck and a patient ride from apprentice jockey Nathan Fazackerley proved the winning recipe for Lattimer in the UBET Class 3 Plate ( 1000m) at Cluden Park yesterday.

The gelding, trained by Tolga’s Roy Chillemi, was beaten less than a length when fifth in a blanket finish at Townsville on September 18.

But yesterday Fazackerley positioned Lattimer ($ 4.20) just off the speed and the run opened up in time for the fiveyear- old gelding to finish over the top of the Les Smerdontrained topweight, Let’s Go To Rio ($ 5.50), by half a length, with Tobasco ($ 6) a further length back.

“He was a bit unlucky last time, he had to go right around them and he finished off strong and was only beaten less than a length,” Chillemi said.

“This time he got the run through them and it probably made the difference.

“I was hoping he could get out, he got bumped around for a bit there but he eventually found the run.

“He’s not a champion, he’s a handy little horse and he’s trying his hardest. We’ll place him in another couple of similar races and see how he goes.”

The closest finish of the day came in the Hygain Release Class 1 Handicap ( 1300m), with the frontrunning Slam Dunked ($ 4.40) prevailing for trainer Athol Ryan in a tight photo over favourite Centre Red ($ 3.60).

The blowout result was $ 27 hope While We Can’s easy win in the Lazy Yak Class 1 Handicap ( 1300m), saluting from Fazackerley mount Lord Archer.

Other winners included $ 2 favourite in the QTIS ThreeYears- Old Handicap ( 1200m), Mercury Bullet ($ 1.90) in the Maiden Handicap ( 1000m), Space Time ($ 10.80) in the Open Handicap ( 1000m) and Beau Jet ($ 5.50) in the Class 6 Plate ( 1200m).