Oak’s Image is special to Ivan Scott.
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The sprinter is four years of age but had only made 25 starts coming into Friday’s meeting at Dawson Park.
A number of injuries had cruelled and exciting career but on Friday he showed he still has what it takes, winning the $1535 Ladbrokes Mega Margins 0-2 Wins Final by a convincing four-and-a-quarter lengths.
He’s had two broken wrists and a back hock as well so he’s come back from those,” he said.
“He’s four years old tomorrow (Saturday) so he’s prob towards the end of his career but he’s a pet and I just love him and he loves racing as well.
“Being a pet it (the win) is just good for the heart and the soul and I just love racing him.”
While the race finished in a comfortable victory, it was hard work to get in that position.
Inside runners Sheza Goof ($10.50) and Wishbone Cargo ($4.70) began the best while Oak’s Image ($7.70) and favourite Rudra ($2) sat behind.
But Oak’s Image soon peeled his way around to the front and from there he kicked clear.
He powered around the bend and hit the line well while Sheza Goof was second while Rival Kev ($14.20) was a further length-and-a-quarter back in third.
After saying he was “lucky” to win his heat last week, Gunnedah-based Scott said jumping from box eight suited Oak’s Image just fine.
“He’s a wide runner, loves box eight,”he said.
“He runs wide and stays straight and true and that’s what he did, he won and its a very pleasing result.”
“This week, this is brilliant this week.”
The win was the fourth of Oak’s Image’s career.
Earlier in the afternoon, Zipping Hondo gave Orange trainer Darryl Prestwidge even more reason to get excited about his staying ability.
Friday’s win in the We Cherish Our Chasers Stakes (516m) may have been only the second win of his career but it was a stunning 11-length victory.
“I’m building him up for distance races and I think he’s going to go very well there,” he said.
“Especially on his run today, we’re very happy with him.
“he’s been a bit unlucky his past two or three races and a very clumsy dog who runs into a lot of trouble but when he gets in front, look out.”
Zipping Hondo, who paid $3.30 when beating Montfort ($3.60) and Secret Top ($9.70), has raced at Bulli in the past and looks set to return to metro tracks in the near future.
“I think he’ll go well this dog and we’re just hoping that he can run a distance.”