He might have missed out with stable star Zarhron but Cowra trainer Andrew Molloy still had reason to cheer at Narromine on Monday.
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Much of the attention was on Zarhron, the country standout who won a third straight Cowra Japan Cup and the Bill Aspros Cup at Bathurst last preparation, heading into the meeting.
The combination of 65kg and being first up after an eight month spell meant Zarhron could only manage seventh in the Signvision Open Hanidcap (800m).
However, there was a much better result for This Is Livin’ in the Allan Stanford Welding Maiden Handicap (1300m).
This Is Livin’, a full brother to Zarhron, had been knocking on the door and broke through when Ken Dunbar guided him to a one-and-a-half length win at Narromine.
“It was his birthday today too so good on him,” Molloy told Sky Thorougbred Central of his five-year-old gelding.
“He had to be a bit more adaptable and got back but he did a top job.
“He finally had his chance.”
This Is Livin’ had come across some handy gallopers, the likes of A Martin Placepick and Contemplate, in recent starts and Monday’s event shaped as a battle between he and Gayna Williams’ Woodbine Miss ($2.90 favourite).
The two favourites both settled midfield while Rockatoo ($4.40) set the pace with Cinquain ($21) sitting second.
Rockatoo led them into the straight but This Is Livin’ ($3.60) and Woodbine Miss began to loom.
There was a row of three across the track briefly but then Dunbar got Molloy’s hope to kick clear and score an impressive maiden win.
“He’s been knocking on the door and racing consistently but sometimes he’s just switched off,” Dunbar said.
“I was lucky enough to get across and chase them and then put them away pretty quickly.”
Woodbine Miss finished second while I Am Spartar ($71) ran home well for third.