After a frustrating wait for a first win, Clint Lundholm was delighted to see Sticks 'N' Stones make it two on the trot at Wellington on Sunday.
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Previously trained by Jeff Englebrecht, Sticks 'N' Stones showed promise after arriving at Lundholm's stables and placed in each of her first six starts for the Dubbo trainer.
The first victory finally came at Narromine last month and Sticks 'N' Stones scored win number two in Sunday's Over The Line Racing F&M Benchmark 58 Handicap (1100m).
It came courtesy of a fine ride from Clayton Gallagher, who swooped along the rails late to score in a thrilling finish.
"She kept us very patient to get that first win on the board but she's put two together and it's a bright future looking forward now," Lundholm told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
Lundholm had three hopes in the event and Sticks 'N' Stones started as the biggest outsider.
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Many had tipped Bold Lady (Greg Ryan, $5.50) to get the job done while Poetic Harmony (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $11) came in with a win and a placing among his three most recent starts.
But it was $12 chance Sticks 'N' Stones who got the job done.
For much of the journey it seemed things were set-up for a battle between Bold Lady and Kody Nestor's $2.80 favourite Invincible Thunder (Chad Lever).
Invincible Thunder led the way into the straight and Bold Lady had enjoyed a fine run in behind while La La Loopsy (Julia Presits, $9) and All Hollywood (Ronald Simpson, $6.50) were winding up on the outside.
But while the leader faded in the final stages it was all smooth sailing for Gallagher and Sticks 'N' Stones, who entered the straight well back but powered along the rails to win in a photo.
La La Loopsy and All Hollywood filled the minor placings while Poetic Harmony also ran home well on the inside to finish finish.
"I was watching Bold Lady. I saw she was nice and poised to have a quick crack at them at the top of the straight," Lundholm said.
"But the two snuck up the rails and Clayton did a 10 out of 10 ride. He did what he was told."
After the now four-year-old went winless through her first 16 career starts, Lundholm was hopeful the current purple patch would continue.
"She's the type of mare who's always shown she's had ability but just struggled to win that maiden," he said.
"Once she did she might go on and win a couple more now, which is really pleasing."