Champagne corks were popping for favourite backers when Bo Cougar easily won her maiden at the annual Great Western races.
The four-year-old mare was Emsley Lodge’s shortest priced favourite ever at $1.28 and as expected she peaked at her third run in this campaign in Saturday’s Ian Kilpatrick Memorial Maiden Plate (1950m).
Jockey Dean Yendall bided his time on Bo Cougar who settled well albeit further back than usual behind a strong tempo.
She was third last most of the way and still six lengths off the lead at the 600 metres when the racecaller declared she was not going as well as her short price suggested, striking fear into those who had backed her.
However, under hands and heels riding she tacked on to the leading division on the home turn and she had the leaders covered half-way up the straight, coasting home to a 2-1/4 length win over Reel Blessed ($81) and The Kilmorian ($8.50).
Trainer Jamie Edwards said Bo Cougar had been building up well this campaign with a solid first up run when fourth at Werribee last month and even better effort when second at Kilmore last start.
“Third-up she got to her right distance, and she was far too good for them in what looked a great race for her,” Jamie said.
Bo Cougar has placed at five of her 12 starts, including her Great Western win which wash a deserving reward for her owner Brett Thompson, Bo Luo, Geoff Howes, Roy and Selly Campisi, Gary and Kristy Reid and Matt and Julie Ross.
Last campaign the daughter of Tosen Stardom placed up to 2200 metres and similar staying races are now on her radar.
“She’s always shaped as a stayer and looks set for good long campaign,” Jamie said.