The Glenelg Tigers connection was strong at Caulfield on Saturday.
Part-owned by Carlton AFL star and former Glenelg player Bryce Gibbs as well as a group of fans, Laohu saluted in the Tim Sando Handicap.
Laohu is a Chinese name for tiger and the promising galloper raced in silks of the black and yellow colours of the famous South Australian football team.
With apprentice jockey Patrick Moloney claiming 3kg, Laohu ($6) led and had two lengths in hand over the fast-finishing favourite Prince Stratum ($2.80).
Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said Moloney’s allowance made the difference as the apprentice was able slow the tempo mid race.
“He worked the first few furlongs then had a couple of easy (sectionals) in the middle where he sat as long as he could before he kicked away,” said Hawkes.
“He had the winner’s run but still had to be good enough to kick at the other end.”
Hawkes said there were no big plans for the Laohu, who had won at Bendigo before Saturday’s city success.
“He’s a nice handy horse with a good record,” Hawkes said.
In contrast to Laohu, Counted came from back in the field to win the Kellie Turvey Handicap.
Trainer Cindy Alderson paid credit to jockey Ben Melham, sidelined after having hip surgery, who thought the mare should be ridden quietly.
“Ben was right and I was wrong,” Alderson said.
“He said she’s a run-on sprinter and today is the way she should be ridden and the way she should race.”
