Gavin Bedggood and Carlene Heffel have combined for victory with two well-backed runners at Sandown.
Gavin Bedggood thought nothing could beat riding Banna Strand to victory in the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool.
That was until he prepared his first metropolitan double at Sandown on Saturday with two heavily supported runners.
No Effort scored in the Ladbrokes Bet Ticker Handicap (1800m) before Sir Kalahad took out the Ladbroke It! Handicap (1600m).
Both winners were ridden by 3kg apprentice Carleen Hefel who continued her recent run of success following a breakthrough Saturday metropolitan double at Flemington last month.
No Effort was supported from $6.50 into $4.80 while Sir Kalahad was backed from $7 into $5 favourite in defeating Wilmot Pass ($13) by 5-½ lengths with Arkham Knight ($7.50) a long-head away third.
“This is right up there with winning a Grand Annual,” Bedggood said.
“To train one city winner on a Saturday is one thing, but to get two, especially with these two horses is amazing.
“They live together, they sleep side-by-side together, they go to the track every morning together, they do everything together.”
Bedggood had considered bypassing Saturday’s race to run Sir Kalahad in a benchmark 70 race at Sandown on Wednesday.
But the trainer knew he had a red-hot chance with the gelding to carry 51.5kg.
“There looked to be really good pressure in this race today and he’s best when he finds the front and is able to get a couple of cheap sections and then skip away,” Bedggood said.
“I knew that wasn’t going to happen with a full field, but it was a great ride by Carleen again.
“This horse, I had to go and buy him with money I didn’t have and I actually got left with half of him when I sold him.
“I couldn’t find owners for him but that’s his second win in town since we’ve had him and I think that’s his fourth win in over 18 months.
“When he gets conditions to suit with no weight, he’s a big threat.”
