A perfectly judged ride by Jamie Kah has seen Token Spirit back in winning form at Sandown.
Token Spirit has relished a rise in distance with a last-to-first victory in a staying contest for three-year-olds at Sandown.
Under the guidance of Jamie Kah, Token Spirit sat at the tail of the field in Wednesday’s Clanbrooke Racing Handicap (2400m) before registering his second career win from 12 starts.
Mathew de Kock, who prepares Token Spirit in partnership with Robbie Griffiths, said it had been frustrating the gelding had only been a one-time winner prior to Wednesday.
“He’s run some very good races, especially in the Victoria Derby last year,” De kock said.
“The distance and the way the race set up today was ideal and coming to the last 600 metres I thought this was ideal for him.”
Kah was content to take Token Spirit to the tail where the gelding settled best of his five opponents.
Coming around the turn, Kah eased four wide on the gelding and was able to keep her two main rivals, Mr Joobs and Marcolt, in a pocket.
At the finish, Token Spirit ($3.80) defeated the $2.20 favourite Marcolt by 1-½ lengths with Eco Warrior ($6) a close third.
“As the race was unfolding, I was getting more and more confident as the more fancied horses were locked up on the rail and Jamie had them in a pocket,” de Kock said.
“Hopefully this win gives him a lot of confidence because he’s a confidence horse that needed a win.”
De Kock said Token Spirit was likely to head to the Mahogany Challenge Final (2500m) at Flemington on July 3, providing he pulls up well from Wednesday’s victory.
Kah said a phone call from Griffiths on race morning filled her with confidence.
“The small field was ideal for him which meant he could settle a bit closer and relax,” she said.
“It played out perfectly for us.”
