A drop back in grade did just the trick for Cicatriz at Dawson Park on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Peter Carr’s sprinter had been solid without being spectacular against better opposition in recent times and the trainer is hopeful Thursday’s win can help him get back to his absolute best.
Without a win since scoring at the Dubbo track on December 29, Cicatriz jumped from box eight in the NJK Construction Stakes (516m) as a $4 chance.
It wasn’t a perfect start from the wide draw, Andy Boy Cargo ($23.20) and Fire Fly Fox ($28.90) got out well, but he wound up around the first bend and once he hit the lead in the back he only got further ahead.
Cicatriz went on to win by three lengths from the fast-finishing Chisel Miss ($7.90) while Super Kadani ($5.60) was a further two lengths back in third.
“I’m a real big believer in confidence,” Carr said after the win.
“They start getting beat and trapped out wide by good dogs and they just lose it a little so that win today, I’m hoping it gives him that little kick along and that there’s better things ahead.
“He’s a really strong dog but he’s just been starting badly for awhile now and it’s been costing him against the good ones.”
The drought-breaking win, recorded in a time of 28.08 seconds, was the 12th of Cicatriz’s career and came in start number 62.
While Cicatriz is an experienced campaigner who found a bit of form, it was a dog at a different stage of his career winning the next event.
Carlo Run took out the GRNSW Pathways Stakes (400m), making it four wins from 10 starts.
It was also a welcome performance after the lightly-raced Carlo Run has suffered from cramping while competing at Richmond last time out.
“I brought him here last week and he trialled well so I thought he could win,” Coonamble trainer Damien Lee, who got the dog from his uncle recently, said.
“He cramped up down there at Richmond and had to pass a steward’s trial at Lithgow, then I brought him here for the trial then brought him here again so he’s been going alright.
“His times at Richmond were really quick too.”
Carlo Run ($3.40) led from virtually start to finish in an impressive showing out of box three.
He got home two-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of Gazmick Craig ($26) while pre-race favourite Jeanie ($1.90), trained by Rhonda Millsteed, had to settle for third.
While he has raced on metro tracks before, Lee stated Dubbo is likely to be Carlo Run’s home track for now.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
