Ghibli is a gelding with a good future, underlined by an outstanding win in the Dubbo RSL Sunset Bistro Class 1 Handicap (1400m) at Dubbo on Sunday.
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Trained on the track by Garry Lunn, the three-year-old conceded experience and weight to his rivals but gave them a beating on the way to recording his second win from just five career starts.
From barrier 12, jockey Rachael Murray had no hesitation in letting Ghibli ($3.20 fav) work across to the lead, and after dictating through the middle stages the I Am Invincible x Absolutely Adriana gelding quicked nicely at the top of the straight.
Barricade ($4.00, Greg Ryan) set out in pursuit and at one stage got within a length, but when threatened Ghibli pulled out enough to win by one-and-a-half lengths, with The Frick ($8.00, Jean Van Overmeire) steaming home for third place.
The Cameron Crockett-trained gelding settled in a rearward position, before saving ground rounding the turn and when he saw daylight he steamed home in a sign that he is on for a promising preparation.
“He’s a lovely horse, and when you consider he had a big weight, a bad draw and it was his first try at the 1400m he’s done a really good job,” Murray said after the race.
“I let him just amble across from the barrier under his own steam and he found the front quite well, and he gave me a good kick at the top of the straight.
“Greg’s horse loomed up but he found again, which is the sign of a really good horse. He’s only young and they will get a few more wins out of him.”
The win was yet another reward for Scone-based Murray, who has enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 season.
Ghibli’s win was her 86th of the season, and she isn’t afraid to travel in order to get winners.
“I’ve got Grafton tomorrow (Monday) and then I’m back at Bathurst on Tuesday so it’s a big few days, but it’s worth it when you’re riding winners,” she said.
“I’m lucky that I’ve been getting on some nice horses, and that always helps, but you have to work hard to get those rides and that is what I’m doing.”
Earlier, another Dubbo trainer tasted success when the Connie Greig-trained Our Sarastro scored an upset win in the Dubbo RSL Platinum TAB Benchmark 65 Handicap (1300m).
Better known as a miler-middle distance horse, the six-year-old improved markedly from a disappointing first-up effort, leading all the way to win at odds of $26.
Our Sarastro, ridden by Chris Williams, held off the fast-finishing Strathaird ($3.00 fav, Rachael Murray), with Baites ($12.00, Kaylee Kirkwood) flashing home late for third.
