Country-based Victorian apprentice Jake Duffy scored a belated Christmas present with an all the way win on next month’s Bagot Handicap contender Looklook at Caulfield.
The $3.30 favourite was a pick-up ride for the 19-year-old and was his first city winner in Melbourne.
Looklook winning the Dennis Hanrahan Handicap at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Apprenticed to Vincent Nolen, Duffy has ridden 87 winners in his career including four metropolitan winners in Adelaide and two in Sydney.
“I haven’t had winner in Melbourne before so it is good to get one for Christmas,” Duffy said.
“It makes it a more exciting Christmas for me.”
Trainer Clinton McDonald wanted a three kilo claiming apprentice and when he came across Duffy who could ride at 50kg he snapped him up for Looklook.
“He has never ridden for me before but he rode the horse fantastic and got away with some cheap sectionals,” McDonald said.
Duffy said Looklook travelled kindly throughout the race and he was confident on the home turn he would win.
“Coming up to the turn he was absolutely bolting and it just a matter of letting him down and he let down good,” Duffy said.
Looklook, who has won his past two starts, landed the Dennis Hanrahan Handicap (2400m) by 1-1/2 lengths from Hiphopopotamus and Prussian Officer.
At his previous start he scored over 2400m at Sandown on December 21 and before that was second over 2500m at Moonee Valley.
McDonald said the Bagot (2800m) was now an option for Looklook at Flemington on January 2.
“He is in a happy spot and it is hard to turn a winning horse out, especially a gelding,” McDonald said.
AAP TURF
