Pocket rocket Tori’s Dee and apprentice Chelsea Thompson combined to give Emsley Lodge its second win in less than a week.
Just five days after piloting Come Along Jeffrey to victory at Kilmore, the 21-year-old held off a late challenge on the grey gelding to land the AME Systems BM52 Hcp (1100m) at Ararat for the stable.
Remarkably it was the lowest grade race that Tori’s Dee had contested since he won his Warracknabeal maiden on debut in July 2022 and the first time had won beyond 1008m.
Known for his tenacity, the seven-year-old was on the brink of retirement after finishing last or second last in five of his runs last campaign.
However, with a few niggling issues behind him the grey has recaptured form this preparation with Saturday’s win being his first since scoring consecutive wins at Werribee and Seymour in May two years ago.
Recognised as 1000 metres specialist, the last 100 metres at Ararat was always going to be problematic for the gelding but Chelsea could not have ridden him better.
After breaking first from the barriers on Tori’s Dee, she allowed the $4.20 favourite Factually to lead him to the home turn before giving full rein at the top of the straight.
Tori’s Dee shot four lengths clear passing the 100 metres but was desperate for the finish line in the closing stages, holding off the fast-finishing Spinhof ($16) to score a three-quarter length win.
Tori’s Dee has posted six wins in his 35 starts and among his five placings was a neck second at Sandown at only his second start.
Three of his wins have been at 64 level while he has been competitive at 70 level, placing twice and finishing fourth at Moonee Valley, and has now earned more than $130,000 in prizemoney.