A hamburger with the lot was how trainer Jamie Edwards described a myriad of changes which led to a dramatic form turnaround for speedster Champagne Doctor.
The four-year-old mare who had beaten just two of a total of 33 runners at her first three starts revived her impressive winning jumpout form to land Monday’s TAB 4YO+ Maiden Plate (1000m) at Warrnambool.
Jamie said Champagne Doctor who had been beaten a total of 38.3 lengths after going too hard in the lead and capitulating, needed to relax in her races.
“She trials like a super star (4 wins and a second) but at the races she has been getting far too excited,” Jamie said.
In a desperate move, Jamie implemented a list of changes in the hope they would keep her calm and composed.
“She got a hamburger with the lot, including a a tongue tie, cross over noseband, earmuffs , was led to the barriers by the pony and got a pony to go to the races with her,” Jamie said.
The ingredients for success was finished off with the experience of jockey Daniel Moor.
“I think the trick to winning was that it took her five or 600 metres to lead,” Jamie said.
“It was a just a clever ride – Daniel really understood what we were trying to achieve and didn’t try and lead in the first 50 metres.”
Champagne Doctor ($8.50) travelled well throughout and surged nearly two lengths clear passing the 200 metres.
Despite a late challenge from favourite Brilliant Eight ($1.35), who had been stalking her in second place throughout the race, Champagne Doctor held on to secure a narrow victory.
“I would say I’m lucky as I was the beneficiary of some gear changes today,” Daniel Moor said.
“She’s quite quick and aggressive early so we went out there with the plan just to be smooth and just to kiss and cuddle her and not upset her.
“She’s had to be taught to chill out a bit and just use her energy at the end of the race rather than the middle and early stages and the gear changes definitely helped with that.”
Champagne Doctor covered the 1000 metres in 58.89s which was slightly slower than the impressive three-year-old winner Self Serve in the previous race.
“It might not have been the strongest race, but I think the overall time was okay,” Jamie said.