Sprinting mare All About Nicci gave Bendigo trainer Kym Hann a pleasant surprise at Caulfield on Saturday.
Like most punters, Hann didn't expect the $26 outsider to win the Darren Gauci Handicap (1100m), but she produced a strong finish from the rear of the field to win narrowly.
"I thought she was a better place chance because I didn't think there'd be enough speed in the race for her to run home like that, " Hann said.
"It worked out well because everyone wanted to lead and she hit the line really hard. She's been a really consistent horse for us and she deserved that city win."
Hann purchased All About Nicci as a yearling for $30,000. She's now won seven races from 27 starts and earned more than $200,000 in prizemoney.
"She's been a great horse for us and that city win makes her worth a bit more,'' Hann said.
"We'll target a couple more races with her in July and then she'll be retired to head to the breeding barn."
Hann hopes All About Nicci's victory was the start of a fruitful winter for the stable.
"We'll have a big Swan Hill carnival (in June( with about eight or nine horses to run up there,'' he said.
"LIke To Think So pulled up lame the other day so we had to scratch him on Saturday.
"We've got a lot of nice young horses, so we're hoping to have a really good next four to six months."
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