Trainer Mick Kent added another member to his team of summer feature race candidates when You Think So outstayed a handy off-season field to win the Bitalli Handicap at Flemington.
Kent immediately promoted You Think So to join Werribee Cup winner Unusual Suspect in his assault on the Bagot Handicap (2800m) on New Year’s Day and will consider a run in next month’s Mornington Cup as well as the Moonee Valley Night Cup.
You Think So winning the Bitalli Handicap at Flemington - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia (Sarah Ebbett)
You Think So ($3.80 fav) led Saturday’s 2550m race from the outset to score by a long head from Crafty Cruiser ($8).
Apres ($5.50) ran on well for third a further 1-3/4 lengths away.
“I’d hoped he’d come good in the summer time,” Kent said.
“I knew he had some ability but he didn’t handle the wet tracks during the winter.
“Now he’s got a few races ahead of him.”
Another summer “specialist” emerged in the Skipton Handicap (1630m) won by the Mick Price-trained Fast And Free.
Price brought Fast And Free back to the track in November in the hope of picking up a late spring race.
After a first-up win in Adelaide he returned to Melbourne only to fail at Caulfield.
“I was very disappointed with him last time, so I’m quite relieved today,” Price said.
“We decided to push him out to 1600 because he didn’t seem to have the speed at 1400 metres at Caulfield and it’s worked out well.”
Fast And Free ($3.80) trailed the leader to the 400m where Craig Newitt allowed him rein.
The son of Fastnet Rock duly put paid to the field, beating Quick Shakes ($7.50) by 1-1/2 lengths with a half length to the favourite Speckie third.
