AFTER 18 starts without a win and a few issues along the way, Carla Innes-Goodridge was starting to think Zarem might never break-through for a victory.
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The young trotting gelding was originally only passing through Innes-Goodridge's Junortoun stable on his way to Queensland.
But now, with a win under his belt at Lord's Raceway on Wednesday night, it seems Innes-Goodridge will get her wish to hold onto the horse for a while longer.
Zarem ($2.80) could not have been any more impressive in breaking his maiden, bursting from the gate to control the race from go to whoa, with Ellen Tormey aboard.
The four-year-old put 6.9 metres between himself and nearest rival Ima Calvert Rose, with Ero Carpe Diem a further six metres back.
Innes-Goodridge described the lead-up to the first win as a bit of a battle.
"He's a funny little horse, I think he's a little bit frightened of the whip and just wouldn't find the line," she said.
"We've kept persevering and tried to get him more confidence and (Wednesday) night it paid off.
"He is a nice little horse and has a good bit of speed, now he just needs to kick on.
"When I got him I knew nothing about him. The owner rang me and asked me if I would take him.
"He showed a little bit of promise as a two-year-old but as he went on he was little and immature.
"I didn't think it (a win) was ever going to happen.
"He was originally coming to me to go up to Queensland, with his honours hoping to win a race to get his Vicbred bonus.
"I don't think I'm letting him go now."
Zarem earned his owners part of his Vicbred bonus for the win; Innes-Goodridge hoped they would soon recoup the full amount.
The gelding, who had been placed 12-times before his maiden win, will face the starter again at Ararat on Sunday.
"If he goes like he did last night he'll be really hard to beat," said Innes-Goodridge.
"Hopefully he can handle that smaller track.
"We haven't got our driver, but I'm glad Ellen was able to win on him (Wednesday) night.
"She is a ripper little driver. She has won a lot of races for me and we love having her on our horses."
The win capped a busy night for Zarem's trainer, who is one of the track attendants at Lord's Raceway.
Meanwhile, Elmore's Matthew Higgins scored a fourth win with his five-year-old Lilnova.
The mare last won at Maryborough in July, with two of her four wins (from 25 starts) achieved at Lord's Raceway.
It was Higgins' first success in the new racing season from five starters.
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