BENDIGO reinsman Alex Ashwood believes improving trotter Well Defined has the potential to eventually step-up to city-class racing.
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The four-year-old gelding was an impressive winner at Geelong on Tuesday night for Ashwood and training partner Kate Hargreaves.
It continued a winning run for the young couple, who have established themselves at Shelbourne, just outside Bendigo, since late last year.
The pair previously picked up a win with the well-credentialed Resurgent Spirit at Swan Hill earlier this month.
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Well Defined was driven with confidence by Ashwood, who had the gelding in front immediately from his wide draw and was able to extend their handy lead in the home straight to win by 8.3 metres.
The former Tasmanian credited a change in tactics and a freshen up as keys to the win.
“We bought him about six months ago from New Zealand and sent him to Adelaide for a couple of starts, which didn’t really work out,” he said.
“He came back home and had a little bit of a freshen up and has started this campaign off with a win, which was good.
“Leading isn’t really his go, he’s actually better off set-up. That’s the first time he’s led in a race.
“Watching his runs in New Zealand he’s definitely better coming off speed – he’s more fast and tough.”
Ashwood, who will drive at Mildura tonight, where he has notched doubles at the club’s last three meetings, felt Well Defined had the ability to continue to notch wins.
“We haven’t really mapped out a program as such, we will just take it a race at a time,” he said.
“But I wouldn’t be surprised if in six months’ time he’ll be racing in Melton in a TM0 or something similar.
“He has the ability and manners to go all the way through his grades.”
Hargreaves and Ashwood continue to work 12 horses on the property formerly operated by Larry Eastman.
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