JUNORTOUN trainer Carla Innes-Goodridge freely admits to spoiling her trotting gelding Zarem.
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But she could be forgiven for lavishing the five-year-old with a little bit of extra attention following his emphatic victory at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.
If that's indeed possible.
The win was a long-time coming for Innes-Goodridge and Zarem, who put the writing on the wall at his previous start at Melton the previous week.
It was the humble trainer's first-ever success at harness racing headquarters.
She confessed to getting 'quite emotional' after one of the most exciting wins of her career.
"He was so unlucky the week before, he just got poleaxed. He was going to easily finish second or third and I was left thinking are we ever going to get a change of luck," Innes-Goodridge said.
"I was just thrilled for him the other night - luck went our way for a change.
"He's been a pretty good horse, but he has to be driven a certain way.
"I've had a bit of trouble with him, I gave him a break and he rolled in the paddock and hit his head on the feeder of all things and he had a knock on his tendons.
"We rested him to get him over it all, but we've had a bit of trouble getting him back with his heart rate and recovery and he's been getting the thumps.
"But I think we've got him over that now and he's a bit fitter, but those problems only made Saturday night even more special."
The son of Wishing Stone and Broadacrossthebeam started his career with Michael Hughes, but looked to be Queensland bound after going without a win in his first 12 starts.
As a last minute gesture, he was offered to Innes-Goodridge in an attempt to secure his Vicbred bonus.
It would take seven more starts - five of them top-three finishes - for him to score his maiden win for Innes-Goodridge at Bendigo in September of 2019.
His success on Saturday night advanced his overall career record to a seven wins and 21 placings from 53 starts for $77,390 in prize money.
In 17 previous starts at Melton, he had finished in the top-three seven times.
Innes-Goodridge praised Ellen Tormey, who scored her Victorian-leading 19th win of the Team Teal campaign aboard Zarem.
"We pretty much leave it up to her, she knows how to drive him," she said.
"She's had an amazing couple of months. What she's done on Well Defined (four country cup wins) is amazing.
"Look how well he went (missing the start by 60m and finishing third in the Charlton Trotters Cup), it's unbelievable.
"The horses just run for her and she has amazing hands."
Innes-Goodridge, the daughter of the late legendary trainer and driver Kevin 'Boofa' Innes, is increasingly excited at what the future holds for Zarem, who will return to action at Melton this Saturday night.
"When he first arrived I thought how I am going to win a race with this horse, but it's just a thrill," she said.
"He's just got better and better - he's very spoiled, but that suits him. I've only got a small stable and I can spend the time with him and he loves the one-on-one attention.
"He's the kingpin, he gets spoiled whether he comes last or first."
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