GIVEN the heavy downpour at Terang on Saturday, it was somewhat of a surprise to see a track record fall by the wayside.
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But even more of a surprise to most was the new record not being set by a horse called Ride High.
Not that he did not live up to his billing as Australia's most exciting pacer and stallion prospect, notching up an astonishing 11th consecutive win, with Kate Gath on-board for the first time.
Putting nearly 20m between himself and his nearest rival, Ride High hit the line in a 1:53.8 mile rate that was a shade outside the track record.
Fast forward to the last race on the program and it would be a promising three-year-old pacer from the Bendigo region who would stamp his presence and emerge as Victoria's newest track record holder.
Trained at Strathfieldsaye by Peter Cole and driven by Daryl Douglas, Major Jodi set a new 2180m benchmark with a superb 1:56.1 mile rate.
The Art Major gelding came from one out and two back at the rear of the field at the bell to make a sustained run around the field, before switching to the sprint lane to overhaul the smart Youaremy Sunshine and the weakening Yianni in the closing stages and win by a half head.
Viewed by most as a surprise win, as reflected in his $26.70 win price, it was less so for Cole, who possesses a reasonable level of confidence in Major Jodi's ability to close out a race if presented with the opportunity.
The hobby trainer rated Saturday night's victory as undoubtedly the pick of the gelding's six wins to date, which have come in just 17 starts
"That was the best he's raced he didn't go all wobbly on the bend and Daryl drove him brilliantly," Cole said.
"He's still getting there and still has a lot to learn, but we will just take it race by race and see where we finish.
"Some of those horses he was up against, like Youaremy Sunshine are Derby horses and Breeders Crown horses. He (Youaremy Sunshine) ran second in the Breeders Crown and fourth in the (Victorian) Derby.
"The favourite (Willie Go West) galloping helped us a bit, but by the same token we got checked and had to work hard the last 600m, but come home in 55 on a wet track."
Despite nearly 20mm of rain falling at Terang on Saturday, Cole was confident the Western District track would suit his progressive three-year-old.
"It's got big bends, which is what we need with him,' he said.
"It's a 91m radius, which is similar to Shepparton and Bendigo and he gets around those two tracks no worries.
"And he didn't knock his legs together, so hopefully he's over that problem. You only had to watch his last few runs to know he hops and skips, but (Saturday) night he was okay.
"I've never owned a track record holder before - I'm glad he's only a three-year-old."
The previous record of 1:56.5 was jointly held by Jackierabbit, who set the mark in February last year, and the well-credentialed Lumineer, who equalled it on October 1, and is a winner of 14 of his 16 career starts.
Cole, who operates from the Douglas stables at Strathfieldsaye, said it was a good night all round, with Julie Douglas notching a win with Rocknroll Eyes and a pair of placings with Ozzie Battler and Torrid Saint.
With metropolitan racing to resume at Melton on September 26, Major Jodi's could soon be headed to racing headquarters.
Otherwise, Cole, who doubles as the chairman of the Heathcote District Football Netball League, will search for a suitable race closer to home.
Read more: Cole makes an instant impact as a trainer
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