He produced pacers Piastri and Totally Stunning for contrasting wins betting-wise in a top training effort.
Piastri vindicated punters’ support after firming into $2.30 favouritism, while Totally Stunning was mainly unwanted by punters and was sent out a 16/1 chance.
A three-year-old by Downbytheseaside, gelding Piastri was having only his sixth race start. Reinswoman Ellen Tormey worked him to the front position early and he dug deep at the business end to ward off a host of challengers in a gutsy win.
Totally Stunning, a four-year-old Art Major mare, in contrast came with a sweeping run to dash past her rivals over the concluding stages in a slick PB 1.56.3 mile rate time for the 1690m trip in her first start since February.
It was her third win in 23 tries, with six minor placings.
Jack Laugher drove her to victory to complete a driving double at the meeting.
Another district win was achieved by trotter Thunda Struck at the Geelong meeting on September 7.
Stanhope driver Mark Pitt drove Thunda Struck, who is trained by his wife, Lisa, to victory to please an army of owners, many of whom were pleased with the $8 the five-year-old gelding paid for the win.
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