KYNETON trainer George Osborne headed to Mornington on Monday uncertain how Celeritate Regem would handle the soft track.
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As it turns out he didn't need to worry too much after the four-year-old geding produced an overdue fighting 1000m win to break his maiden status.
Save for a forgettable first run as a colt, the son of French sire Equiano has been a model of consistency throughout his short racing career, starting with a second placing on Bendigo Cup day last October in his second trip to the racetrack.
His following six starts produced a quartet of second placings and a pair of fourths.
Osborne, who is enjoying a fabulous season with 38 winners - 27 in Victoria and 11 across the border in New South Wales - was naturally relieved following the breakthrough win.
"I was very happy that he drew out wide (barrier 11), so he didn't get smothered up and get a bit field-shy, so to speak," he told broadcaster Racing.com
"Everything worked out well and he was strong to the line, so hopefully he might have learned something."
Osborne indicated an inkling Celeritate Regem would handle the rain-affected track.
"I texted the owner and asked if the horse had any (wet-track) breeding and he told me the mother (Dazzling Rubi) did all her good work in the wet and won two in the wet, with three placings," he said.
"That was encouraging. Maybe that was the answer.
"Possibly the other thing was he was third-up today and we went a bit soft on him early, so he was going to improve with the first two runs, so I think the combo of everything was lovely - and the jockey."
Osborne praised an 'aggressive ride from Jamie Mott, who started the day in blazing form by riding the first three winners on the card.
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