Fitness the key for local winner Yawkey Way
The four-year-old, which won at the fourth attempt this preparation, was given an ideal ride from jockey Allan Chau to surge to the front at the right time and register the third win of its 22-race career.
Yawkey Way firmed late in the market to return +270 at CrownBet.com.au.
#Pickoftheyard Yawkey Way wins at Leeton for @sutherland_race #skytips @SkyRacingAU @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/NyVVb08EXZ
— Chynna Marston (@chynna_marston) August 22, 2017
Sutherland said he was optimistic the mare would deliver a good run on Tuesday.
“I was confident coming into it,” Sutherland told HorseBetting.com.au.
Race favourite Esprit Warrior (-333.33) plugged on well but could not close the gap, while Whiskey Business closed well to round out the placings and deliver -142.86 to Sportsbet.com.au clients.
The trainer said continual racing on the competitive circuit helped set up the win.
“I’ve been really happy with her over the last month,” Sutherland said.
“A few runs ago at Wagga she was just a bit big, a bit fat, then she was very unlucky at Wodonga last start when she got held up and couldn’t get out but still only gotten beaten by half a head.”
The Wodonga race showed Sutherland that a win for the horse was just around the corner, and the trainer had no issues backing up just eight days later.
“She never really got out at Wodonga and never got unleashed and she was on the bridle right to the line and came through it really nicely,” he said.
“With these mares as long as you can get their mental sides right and get them feeling good they’ll give you a good sight.”
It required a brilliant ride to get Yawkey Way despite the favourable gate, and Chau said the horse was able to deliver a withering burst to put the race away after getting a nice run in transit.
“She just ticked every box today,” the jockey said.
“I had to spend a little bit to get across, but as soon as I crossed I dropped the anchor and that’s why she was able to let down as well as she did.”
Yawkey Way gets an overdue victory for the trots syndicate at Leeton. Another intelligent ride by Al Chau #teamchau
— TG Sutherland Racing (@sutherland_race) August 22, 2017
There was a lot of support on track for the local runner Yawkey Way, and Sutherland said it was good to bring the horse back to familiar surroundings for connections.
“It’s nice to come here because there’s a lot of locals in this mare,” the trainer explained.
“A lot of people from Leeton and Narrandera so it’s great to come back here and win one for them.”
Leeton Vet. Hospital BM54 result (22/08/2017)
1st Yawkey Way (+290/-333.33)
2nd Esprit Warrior (-333.33)
3rd Whiskey Business (-142.86)
Quinella – +440
Trifecta – +2670
First Four – +12570