Second up star Saint Valorem swoops late at Caulfield
CAMERON Templeton-trained gelding Saint Valorem has maintained a glittering second up record at Caulfield on Saturday after sweeping home late to claim the Jason Hart benchmark 78.
In what was the third win from three second-up attempts, a perfectly timed run from Brian Higgins saw the four-year-old bypass Tango Rock at in the final 100m to return +800 CrownBet.com.au
Saint Valorem thunders home from last to land the money for Cameron Templeton and Brian Higgins. pic.twitter.com/UdVc2SpIS2
— Racing.com (@Racing) July 29, 2017
Certain Elite defied its huge price to claim third and deliver +1170 at WilliamHill.com.au.
Racing: Brilliant ride from the back Higgo on Saint Valorem R4 @Caulfield Supremely under-rated Brian Higgins! #SuperSat
— NEIL EVANS (@NeilEvansmail) July 29, 2017
It was the fourth win from 11 attempts for the son of Ad Valorem, and the horse’s trainer Cameron Templeton said his runner has plenty of determination.
“It was a big win,” Templeton said.
“He’s got a bit of form around him too. He’s been unlucky, he’s been beaten by a lot of good horses and they’ve gone on, like Ability.”
The trainer said he never lost faith that the horse would return to the winner’s circle despite a ten month absence.
“I’ve always rated him,” the trainer said.
“He’s not fashionably bred and he’s only little but he’s got a big ticker and he tries hard.”
It was another solid second up display for the horse, which remains undefeated at that point in the preparation across its career.
Templeton said the camp was confident of a strong performance, but said the first up display left a lot to be desired.
“This was a race I had earmarked,” Templeton said.
“I said that to the boys, (who) were a little bit disappointed, they’re passionate owners and they were a bit disappointed the other day.
“But I said ‘he’s right on track second up’ and I’m glad he proved me right.”
It was an extremely strong win and arguably the most eye-catching performance of the day in the shortened card at Caulfield, but the trainer said the team will not be getting too ahead of themselves following the victory.
Templeton did admit that a step up in journey is on the cards for the galloper going forward.
“We won’t get too excited at this stage,” he said.
“(Next time) he’ll be going to a 1400m though, for sure.”