A gear change and shorter race distance proved a winning formula for Come Along Jeffrey, who may now be aimed at targets interstate.
Racing in blinkers for the first time in three years, the Jamie Edwards-trained gelding burst from the gates and led throughout in Friday’s 1200-metre Greg Allan Farm Machinery BM64 Hcp.
Ridden by Jess Eaton, Come Along Jeffrey ($10) burnt off the $2.80 Frawley at the top of the straight and coasted to an easy 2-1/2 lengths victory, with Alice Downs ($9) another ½ length away third.
Jess was having her second ride on Come Along Jeffrey after partnering with him two starts ago when second over 1400 metres at Mount Gamier.
He was outclassed over the same distance on Geelong Cup Day but appreciated the shorter trip at Hamilton.
Trainer Jamie Edwards said Come Along Jeffrey had responded as he had hoped with the blinkers back on.
With these older horses you can keep blinkers up your sleeve when the right race comes along,” Jamie said.
“Jess made sure he fired out of the gates, gave him a nice little breather and after the horse gave a strong kick off the corner, he was strong to the line,” Jamie said.
Jamie said Come Along Jeffrey may be temporarily transferred to Jess Eaton’s Adelaide stables for some pre-Christmas assignments.
“We’d thought about sending him over to Jess to train and giving him one or two runs in those no metro win races in Adelaide,” Jamie said.
“To have a little base over there with her, even if it’s for three or four weeks, might get a good result.”
Jess said Adelaide would be a great place for a horse like Come Along Jeffrey.
“I certainly wouldn’t complain if he rocked up to my stables,” Jess said.
She said Come Long Jeffrey was never going to lose today.
“Once I got the lead and was able to control the race, I knew he would be hard to beat,” Jess said.
“He travelled so well and then really put the race away.”