A weight drop, a bigger track and the addition of blinkers has helped Longeron return to winning form at Flemington.
Prepared by Hawkes Racing, Longeron was backing up from running fourth in the Traralgon Cup six days ago in the Western Health Adamo Cafe Cup.
Longeron
Taken to the lead by Patrick Moloney, Longeron ($4.60) scored a three-quarter length win from Straight Jacket ($20) with the heavily backed $3 favourite Second Bullet, 2-3/4 lengths away third.
Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said Longeron was racing in career-best form.
“We don’t back them up very often from week to week but when we do they usually run pretty well,” Hawkes said.
“It didn’t suit the other day at Traralgon where had 60 kilos and was back to 54 today.
“That’s what made the difference.”
Moloney had ridden Longeron as a 3kg claiming apprentice when narrowly beaten at Flemington two years ago when Hawkes said he was unlucky not to have won.
“I just said to Patrick to be careful that he doesn’t over do it with the blinkers back on,” Hawkes said.
Moloney said Longeron had given him a tough ride early but settled better passing the 1000m before giving a good kick into the straight.
