Braces has recorded back-to-back city wins for the first time in his career to continue trainer Greg Hickman’s purple patch on a sodden track at Canterbury.
Consecutive midweek Benchmark Handicap victories have earned the six-year-old gelding his first trip to Rosehill since January last year, providing he recovers from a solid win in the Vale John Wenman Handicap (1550m).
Hickman, who also picked up a metropolitan with Top Striker at Rosehill last weekend, has a step up to 1800m scheduled for Braces on June 16.
The $16,000 purchase lifted his prize money past $278,000 with the seventh win of his 42-start career.
“He’s done super,” said Warwick Farm-based Hickman.
“He’s back in grade; he won the other day. We just had to tick him over and keep him happy.”
A perfect storm played a role in Braces heading back to Rosehill for a Benchmark 75 Handicap after thriving on a heavy track.
“The rain came and (jockey Corey Brown) overcame a barrier (8) that was a bit of a worry. He took him into the race, settled, travelled, hit the line, game over,” Hickman said.
Braces ($8.50) edged Smart As ($10) by half a neck while Regine ($7.50) was a three quarters of a length third.
“He appreciates the sting out of the track so I was glad the rain was about,” said Brown.
“I let the leaders get away and then he picked them up quite quickly. The further he goes, the better he’s going to get.”
