GREGOR MACTAGGART
HORSE RACING
By GREGOR MACTAGGART
BONNY mare Changing Tracks delivered a special moment for Paul and Tracey Templeton last Friday.
The six-year-old delivered a first winner at Flemington to the Moe-based training partnership in the $50,000 Resimax Jockeys Challenge Trophy (1200m).
Ridden by Craig Newitt, Changing Tracks ($13) revelled on the straight course, travelling sweetly from a midfield position before unleashing a blistering finish.
The final margin of two and a quarter lengths highlighted what was a dominant display from the daughter of Written Tycoon in the Benchmark 64 Handicap.
“She has got a good turn of foot and run some ridiculous sectionals at times,” Templeton told Racing.com post-race.
“This race panned out great for her, going back to 1200m (after racing at 1400m at her previous start). It’s a great result.”
Following the win, Templeton also paid tribute to owner Keith Ellis.
“I’m happy for Keith, he’s been with us for a long time and it’s great to get him a winner in town,” he said.
The win was the fourth from 26 starts for Changing Tracks, who lifted her prizemoney earnings to more than $119,000.
The stable’s other runner on the Rapid Racing Raceday, Joltin’ Joe finished fifth, beaten 2.15 lengths by the smart Grand Pope in the Tick Homes Dash (1200m).
Fellow Moe trainer Peter Gelagotis also added another metropolitan winner to his record when Miss Five Hundred took out the Ladbrokes Bet Ticker Benchmark 64 Handicap (2400m) at Sandown Lakeside on January 19.
Miss Five Hundred ($6) was given a lovely run in transit from jockey Jye McNeil and showed real quality to race away for a three and three quarter length victory from Look Sharpish.
The mare is impeccably bred, being by Dundeel out of the Group One winning mare Cinque Cento, a winner of the 2007 Doomben Cup.
Stablemate Music Addition was an eye-catching third at Moonee Valley on Saturday in the race won by Yulong Command.
