Lex Bramble has always had a high opinion of Im Alrite and now there's plenty of others who have become enamoured with the fast-finishing gelding.
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Im Alrite made it career win number three at Bathurst Paceway on Sunday, giving reinsman Brett Hutchings his 100th win in the gig in the process.
Seeing someone he has worked with so closely achieve a milestone with one of the better horses he's ever had made it a special win for Dubbo trainer Bramble.
"Very pleased. With the driver as well," Bramble said.
"He's driven for me for years and years, on and off. He was very happy, like all of us."
As someone with only three horses in work the wins don't come around all too often for Bramble but Im Alrite seems primed to deliver a few more yet.
Having arrived at Bramble's stables as three-year-old he won in his third start at the Dubbo track but his progress was soon halted by a virus.
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He was sidelined for a number of months and even when he returned late last year it took him a little while to get back to his best.
But a win at Parkes in January showed he was on track and then he flew home at Bathurst just over a week ago to finish third before getting it done again on Sunday.
Having seen Dontch See It (Nathan Turnbull, $5) and Jetset Star ($19) set the pace for much of the race at Bathurst, Hutchings remained patient after pulling right back immediately from gate five at the start.
He was still last as the field rounded the bend for home but Hutchings peeled to the extreme outside and Im Alrite showed stunning speed to flash home and overhaul Dinosaurus Rex (Graham Betts, $3.80) in the final few strides.
"He's got the best sprint from the 400 to home of any horse I've had," Bramble said.
"He did it last time too when he ran third. He's got a really good sprint on him and he's a lovely horse, as well.
"We're really happy and he's a lovely horse to drive."
The recent performances haven't gone unnoticed, either.
"There's a few interested in him," Bramble said.
"Some are trying to buy him but he's not going anywhere, I'm afraid.
"I like him."
While it was Hutchings in the gig on Sunday, Bramble was keen to point out the work of his granddaughter Jacqui Ingham has done with the now four-year-old.
Ingham has driven Im Alrite for the majority of his 23 career starts but also played a key role in his recovery from illness last year.
"It's good to have an off-sider here," Bramble said.
"She studies animal science and is back home now while [university] classes are online and she always gives a hand."
Ingham drove Bramble's other two hopes - Millie The Fillie and Glenferrie Duster - at Bathurst and while both finished at the back of the field there was little disappointment as improvement is expected.
Im Alrite is likely to race again at Bathurst Paceway next Sunday.
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.
