A mid-year trip to Darwin may just be the catalyst for the turnaround in fortunes for Holster who registered a second city victory on Saturday.
After leading throughout at Sandown on September 14, the Amy and Ash Yargi-trained galloper again led throughout to take out the Penang Turf Club Trophy (2000m) at Mornington.
Holster’s win also gave Jamie Kah the first three races and followed her victory on Coolangatta in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Sent out the $2.90 favourite, Holster scored by 1-¼ lengths from Hopkins ($7.50) with Carbonetti ($4) a long neck away third.
After starting his career with Hawkes Racing, Holster joined the Yargi stable in 2020 and had three wins to his credit before a trip to Darwin where he had three runs in July.
Returning to the Yargi’s stable, Holster finished third first-up at Mornington before his last two wins.
“The old saying a trip away has brought the horse on, toughened him up, seasoned him,” Ash Yargi said.
“He was obviously well-ridden today by Jamie and it’s good to see the horse find a bit of form.
“He’s shown us he has nice enough ability without getting carried away.
“He’s a very good worker at home but we haven’t been able to bring his trackwork at home to the races, but I think the penny has finally dropped with the horse.
“We’ve also found out how to ride him, what distance he likes, so it’s good the horse was able to get the job done today.”
Kah, who scored earlier on Wee Nessy and Mrs Sippy, said Holster was a tough ride.
“I think I’m blowing more than the horse,” Kah said.
“He was very well in himself today. That was the plan again, just to roll along, get into a rhythm and he battled on fantastic.
“I rode him last prep and I can feel the difference in him this time. He’s more furnished and seasoned.”
