Few horses deserved a win more than Costa Plenty but the super-honest gelding got his just reward when he led throughout on the Geelong Synthetic track.
Costa Plenty’s previous win was at the same venue in July 2014 but the four-year-old had finished in the minor placings five times in his ensuing nine starts.
Costa Plenty had reeled off a run of four minor placings, including at the Geelong Synthetic track at his last two outings, before trainer Alicia Macpherson set the four-year-old for the Charles Rose Jewellers BM64 Handicap (1300m).
Macpherson engaged talented apprentice Brandon Stockdale to take 2kg off Costa Plenty’s 60.5kg handicap and the youngster showed why he is in demand to ride for many of Victoria’s leading stables with a smart ride.
Stockdale sent Costa Plenty straight to the front early in the $15,000 contest before the teenager rated the son of Danerich perfectly, giving his rivals no chance of outsprinting him in the straight.
Costa Plenty dashed clear early in the straight before rolling home a comfortable two-length winner, giving his terrific team of owners their fourth win in 19 starts.
“The horse bounced out well and there was no pace on the inside so we just crossed over (to the rail),” Stockdale said.
“Once he got there, he settled down a treat. He travelled up well and he got the job done.
“Going into the race, I thought he was the best horse in the race and he’s proven that today.”
Costa Plenty’s latest win took his earnings to more than $63,000.
Congratulations to Costa Plenty’s owners and all involved with his terrific victory.
© MiStable 2015