A SOLID December for Sutton Grange trainer Leigh Graham continued at Kilmore on Wednesday night.
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Graham notched up his third win of the month courtesy of the five-year-old gelding Azza in the NR 55 to 60 pace.
Azza, the son of US sire Big Jim, had long been overdue for a victory following a string of consistent performances since his last win back in July at Bendigo.
His 13 runs in between wins produced no fewer than nine minor placings, with the gelding only twice finishing outside the top four.
Strongly indicating a win was on the cards, his previous seven runs resulted in three seconds, three thirds and a fourth.
Nicely driven by Tayla French, Azza swooped late after being one out and two back at the bell to overtake the front-running Ace Duigan, who ran a cheeky race for third.
The pair were split Mummy's Boy for David and Josh Aiken, who also got home well late.
The win continued Azza's affinity for the Kilmore track, which has produced three wins and four placings from seven starts.
Graham boosted his tally for the month to three wins following the dual-success of Van Gogh at Yarra Valley on December 11 and Charlton on December 3.
Like Azza, Van Gogh, a three-year-old Modern Art gelding, has been a model of consistency in recent times and has managed to post three-straight wins, starting with his victory at Kilmore on November 26.
Meanwhile, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has announced another easing of COVID-19 restrictions pertaining to owners and stablehands.
From Thursday, (December 17), owners are permitted to attend the horse stalls at Victorian harness race and trial meetings.
There will no longer be restrictions placed on the number of stablehands permitted to attend racetracks with licensed trainers.
HRV advised physical distancing measures remain in place and face masks must be carried at all times and should be worn when physical distancing requirements cannot be met, your if requested to do so by the Stewards.
Bendigo region trained winners this week so far:
Maryborough (Monday): Andrew Swagger (Kate Hargreaves); Meadowvalley Lover (Keith Cotchin); Belittle (Maree Campbell).
Geelong (Tuesday): Wisp Of Smoke (Kate Hargreaves).
Kilmore (Wednesday): Azza (Leigh Graham).
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