Trainer Darren Bell ended a frustrating run of luck when gelding Falino scored a comeback win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Falino, who wonthe 2011 Group Three BTC Classic as a three-year-old, has had a troubled career thanks to a throat operation.
However, Falino ($17) showed no signs of a wind problem when he scored by 2-1/4 lengths to the favourite Mr Favulous ($2.70) in the Jade Apartments Handicap (1000m).
Falino – Larry Cassidy
It was his first run since finishing unplaced at Doomben in November.
“Gee, that was a change of luck. We have had a terrible trot with our horses of late and I must admit I wasn’t expecting him to do that,” Bell said.
Falino will have his next start in a 1200-metre open handicap at Doomben in a fortnight before Bell maps out a full campaign.
Meanwhile, leading trainer Rob Heathcote’s commitment to getting fit after a recent holiday meant he missed the win of Volkhere ($6.50) in the Liberal National Party Handicap (2100m).
Heathcote had his smallest number of runners at a metropolitan meeting in a decade with Volkhere his only representative.
He missed Saturday’s meeting because he was cycling as part of a fitness regime.
Stable foreman Mel Sharp said Volkhere had been unlucky at some of his recent starts and was suited with only 52kg after Luke Tarrant’s claim.
“I suppose that is the way to do it, have one runner for one winner,” Sharp said.
Volkhere hadn’t won since last October but again showed his liking for Eagle Farm by running a class record.
