Consistent sprinter Broken has recorded a career best win in taking out the Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap down Flemington's straight six on Saturday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Darren Weir-trained gelding had placed in three of his five runs so far this campaign all of which came over the shorter 1000m journey.
Seven days after placing at Moonee Valley, the Ballarat-based trainer made the call to back Broken up in today's Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m).
Racing over 1200m for the first time in more than two years, Broken went keenly in the early stages but soon settled as jockey Luke Nolen found cover behind the early leaders.
Nolen moved the gelding into the clear down the outside at the 400m and the pair began to loom large approaching the 100m.
Broken soon afterwards overpowered Temple Of Boom and Cavallo Nero for his first career Group success.
“I reckon the horse has been racing terrific but without luck,” Weir said.
“The ways he's gone in his past two runs, he's been looking for 1200m.
“He loves the straight, the ground was perfect and he got a perfect ride.”
Broken's maiden Group success provided Darren Weir with a winning double at Flemington on Saturday after stablemate Clang And Bang saluted in the Trevor Dray and Joyann Erskine Handicap (1720m).
It also continued a poor day for favourites at Flemington having only accumulated four minor placings between them.
The biggest shock of the day came during the Lesley Viney and Colin McKnight Handicap (1410m) when $101 outsider Tuscan Fire upstaged the well fancied Henwood over the concluding stages.
From 34 starts, Broken now possesses eight wins and 14 minor placings with prizemoney earnings now closing in on $450,000.
