Twin City Solider has marched into Manilya Sprint (1200m) calculations after posting a comprehensive victory at Carnarvon’s season-opening meeting on Saturday.
The Allan Hughes-trained gelding staked his claim for the $25,000 feature after demolishing his Gascoyne Hotel Handicap (1200m) rivals by eight lengths.
The Medal Of Honour five-year-old was brilliantly handled by up and coming apprentice Danielle Conroy who patiently settled behind a hot speed.
Copper Duke, Lord Elvstroem and Yocto set it up for the backmarkers when they went head-to-head at breakneck speed in front.
Twin City Soldier started the market elect in a wide betting race after posting two placings from his previous five starts at Geraldton.
“The race was really set up for him but he brained them in the end,” said Hughes.
“It was a terrific ride from Danielle who handled him well.
“He has always shown ability but hasn’t had much luck.
“He was going well in Geraldton until he got a virus.
“I’m looking forward to a good season with him.”
Hughes and Conroy combined with Light That Smile who ran on from sixth on the turn to be placed second and 1 ½ lengths adrift of Iconoclast.
“I was pleased by the run as he had to come from a fair way back,” said Hughes.
“He hit the line well.”
Jo-Anne Leeson and Brayden Gareth shared the training and riding spoils respectively following a running double.
Make Another Image atoned after a disappointing performance at Geraldton when he faded to finish a distant last.
The son of Vain Rancher took a trail behind Wattey before pushing forward and defeating Magic Rhythm by one length.
Tindal’s margin was much tighter-a long-head, but he dug deep to finish strongly from the second half of the field.
Stated’s comeback to racing continues to gather momentum after a dominant all the way victory in the first.
The State City gelding, prepared by Tony Scally, was having just his second start back after two year injury lay off.