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Batchy Bullet starts a big day for Keys & Pires.
After missing out on the ride due to suspension when Batchy Bullet resumed last week and ran a close second, David Pires gave the filly a charmed run to break her maiden in Hobart on Sunday.
Despite coming back from 1100m to 1000m, Batchy Bullet ($3.50 – $2.60) was always travelling like the winner, sitting just off the speed until Pires hooked her around the leaders, turning for home.
"We drew barrier six today, got a nice slot in behind the speed, I just waited til we straightened up, kept her balanced and she got to the line quite nicely," Pires said.
"Last preparation, she was actually quite small, and I'm surprised at how well she has developed into the horse she is today; she's a bit stronger now and probably looking for a bit further."
Batchy Bullet won by a half-length from Need A Giggle ($21) with She Plays Games ($8.50) a close third.
Pires was quickly back in the winner's circle, with the short-priced favourite Captain Taz scoring a comfortable victory in the 1430m maiden, winning by three lengths.
Captain Taz had been beaten in a tight photo last Sunday, and trainer John Keys was keen to back him up but waited until midweek before making the final decision.
"On Wednesday, we didn't think we were going to run, but he progressed and improved as the week went on," Keys explained.
"The horse was a little unlucky not to get the photo on Cup Day, so it's good to see him win today and win well; he's still got a lot to learn; he's very raw in the mind, but he's going to be a very nice horse," Pires added.
A winner any wayIt was a nose result and then a protest second versus first, but one man not concerned was trainer John Keys. Whichever way the result went, Keys was a winner in the BM60 (1430m).
The veteran trains both horses, Freak On A Lead ($7), who was first past the post from Sweet Lucifer ($3.80) with Maarkle ($41) running on to finish third.
After a short deliberation and not surprisingly, stewards upheld the protest with Sweet Lucifer promoted to first and Freak On A Lead relegated to second.
The result gave Keys three winners for the day.
A gem of a ride on OpalsonAfter a few frustrating runs, Opalson finally broke through for his first win since joining the Gary White stable in the 1650m class 1.
Opalson was having his fifth run since coming to Tasmania and was well-supported being backed from an opening quote of $6 to start the warm favourite at $4.20.
"Once he gets over a bit more distance, I'm sure he will win more races," the trainer said.
A maiden from 14 starts, White had Opalson racing out of his class, and he now has his sights set on stretching the 5YO out to 2100m.
Opalson gave jockey David Pires his third win of the day.
