Trainer Jamie Edwards was relieved after Just Bolts scored a narrow win at Donald to take his career earnings to more than $100,000.
Getting the timing right on the five-year-old is critical and for a few strides it appeared the gelding had hit the front too soon in Tuesday’s Donald Motor Lodge BM66 Hcp (1000m).
“I thought he got to the front before the corner and he’s a horse who needs to be reserved for one last crack at them,” Jamie said.
He said that with several key scratchings it weakened the field significantly and afforded Just Bolts the chance to win his highest graded race so far.
“If he could land fourth or fifth in the run instead of just outside the leader it would be ideal and maybe that will happen when he goes up in grade,” Jamie said.
Jockey Teo Nugent hasn’t missed place in four rides on Just Bolts this campaign and Tuesday was his second win on him.
Second favourite Thinking of Gerty ($2.50) led but Just Bolts ($2.45) was right with her approaching the home turn and disputed the lead into the straight despite Teo’s efforts to keep him in check.
“He really needs a bunny to follow,” Teo said.
“Every time I’ve hit the front on him, the last 50 metres, he sort of waits for the others to join him.
“Today, I waited right until the furlong before I really asked him to surge but he’s a horse who will never win by a big margin as he’s always looking around for his friends.”
Just Bolts kept finding to the line and got home a long neck ahead of Thinking of Gerty and Validated ($20).
The son of Winning Rupert and the speedy mare They Call Me Bolt has now won four races and placed eight times for $113,070 in prizemoney.
Feet issues have impeded Just Bolts career and at one stage the stable feared the horse’s career was finished.
“He had a big issue with his feet, and our farrier Tony’s Alder deserves much of the credit.
“He got him back to the races and you can see he’s sound and racing better than ever.”