Hopes were running high when stablemates Just Bolts and Hughie went to the barrier for the Bakerland 0 – 62 Hcp (1100m) on Colac Cup Day.
Emsley Lodge had taken four horses to Friday’s meeting and Brutify and Cat Noir had already won.
Second favourite Hughie ($6) spearheaded a history-making winning treble for the stable, but it was Just Bolts at $11 who surprised punters, storming home from behind his stablemate to score on a memorable day.
Trainer Jamie Edwards said the race-fit Hughie looked his better hope with the lighter weight but was mindful that Just Bolts had trialled up very well when second at Geelong at the end of last month.
“His trial run was great the other day in really strong company and with a lot of speed on today it was going to suit him,” Jamie said.
Hughie had the benefit of a three kilo claim for Sage Duric but with him disputing the lead with Sea Mist ($18) his task was made much harder.
Just Bolts sat three lengths behind the two leaders in third place and when he hooked out in the straight responded well to the urgings of his jockey Teo Nugent.
Charging home down the middle of the track he had the leaders covered near the 150 metres and raced clear to 1-3/4 length win over Formidable Force ($10) with Sea Mist edging out Where’s Poppy and Hughie in a blanket finish for third.
Teo Nugent who also won on Cat Noir earlier in the day while Jack Hill scored on Brutify for the stable.
Teo said Just Bolts was on top of his game first-up.
“I was a little bit worried as he drew a very awkward barrier, but he put himself right there behind a genuine speed,” Teo said.
“He doesn’t get much more than 1100m, but the race set up a treat for him, and he had the drop on them in the run home.”