EPPALOCK trainer Anthony Crossland readily admits Rules Dont Apply is not a flashy horse.
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But the three-year-old son of Muscle Hill sure knows how to get the job done.
The well-bred gelding made it three wins in succession when scoring a hard-fought victory at Shepparton on Saturday night in a high-calibre three-year-old trot.
Rules Dont Apply came from three-back on the pegs at the 400m, before Crossland pushed him into space approaching the home turn and unleashed a powerful surge in the straight, to run down the Lisa Miles trained-and-driven Powderkeg in the shadows of the post and win by a short-half-head.
Tailored Elegance ($1.30 favourite) for trainer Brent Lilley held on for third, to make it a trifecta for the progeny of Muscle Hill.
Entering the race on the back of consecutive wins at Ballarat and Maryborough, Crossland was surprised to Rules Dont Apply ($9.80) so far back in the market.
"We were confident going into it - we didn't think we were the chance the market had us, third or fourth in line," he said.
"I didn't mind where we were in the run - while I was trying to win, I was trying to have him running home, instead of having him gassed and him being the one they run over the top of.
"Mainly because of where he is at - it was only his 10th start in against those good horses.
"What we see him doing now is just a bonus for us; we think each year as he gets older he'll get better and better.
"He doesn't kill the opposition, he more-or-less does what he has to do, but I know at times he doesn't look that flashy type of horse."
Crossland is resisting the option of targeting the upcoming Victoria Derby and The Holmfield, and will stick with his plan of giving the gelding a few weeks' break before taking aim at the Breeders Crown and Vicbred Platinum Series.
"I definitely think he would let the others know he was there if he went down that (Derby) path, but it's such a long season," he said.
"The horses are generally in the paddock now and not racing - well, the three-year-olds.
"He's earned a couple of weeks off now and we'll then concentrate on the Breeders Crown and the Platinum Series.
"You've got to enjoy the ride when you get horses like this as it takes you so long to get them."
Coming from back in the pack, Crossland conceded he was not altogether confident he would earn the nod from judges in a stirring finish.
"I've been done in about five photos in the last few months, so I am never confident going into any photo," he laughed.
"It was a good advertisement though for Muscle Hill having the top-three (placegetters)."
It was the second time in recent months Crossland has managed three in a row with one of his horses.
He secured a trio of wins with Lola Devereaux during the earliest phase of regional racing at Bendigo in April and May.
The three-year-old filly is nearing a return to racing following a second in a trial at Maryborough on Sunday.
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