Jockey Matt McGuren was afraid he had been outsmarted before Honesta scored an impressive win at Doomben on Saturday.
Honesta, the $1.90 favourite, was second last at the 500m while second favourite Halls Creek ($3.60) was 10 lengths ahead in the lead and going strongly.
But Honesta charged home in the the final 200m to score by 3-1/4 lengths to Show Command ($7.50) with a nose to Halls Creek in the Coastal Fresh Handicap (1600m).
“At the 500 metres I started to get worried as Halls Creek had a pretty easy lead and was entitled to kick,” McGuren said.
Honesta is one of several promising horses in the stables of former Patinack Farm syndicate trainer John Thompson.
Stable foreman Glen Thompson said Honesta would be even better when she could get onto a bigger track.
“She can really hit the line hard and she will get further than today,” he said.
Honesta is likely to have her next start at Doomben in two weeks and Thompson hopes she isn’t overtaxed by the handicapper.
“She wasn’t well in at the weights today as a maiden filly against some of the colts who had won a race and it made the win even better,” he said.
Honesta is by former Group One winner Monaco Consul who is starting to make name for himself in Queensland.
Ryan Wiggins, who rode Halls Creek, said he had tried to get a break on the field at the 500m.
“I did my best to steal it but the winner was to strong,” he said.
