Ethan Brown produced a standout front-running performance aboard Spywire at Ballarat on Friday, sharpening up for his Group 1 ride on Jimmysstar in Saturday’s TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick.
Fresh off returning from a month-long suspension on Wednesday, the leading jockey made the most of his only ride at the meeting, guiding the Ciaron Maher-trained galloper to victory in the $300,000 Country Discovery (1100m).
Jumping from barrier eight, Brown pushed Spywire straight to the lead and controlled proceedings throughout, with the son of Trapeze Artist proving too strong in front.
Carrying the Ozzie Kheir colours — the same silks he will sport aboard Jimmysstar — Brown crossed the line 1.5 lengths clear of Geegees Mistruth, with stablemate Recommendation finishing third.
“It’s good to be back at the races. I’m getting good support. I’ve picked up where I left off,” Brown, who went to Ballarat for one ride, told Racing.com.
“Ciaron gave him a little freshen-up between runs and he performs better with a gap like that.
“He had a beautiful tick-over trial and he was just here in the best possible order today and he showed that on track.
“He never felt like losing. He jumped so well from the gate; he can be a bit tardy away.
“I think when he’s fresh and on like that, that’s when he’s at his best. He jumps, he puts himself there.
“Once we got an uncontested lead, it was simple. I just had to get him into a rhythm. I knew I was on a fit horse, so I gave him a click at the 500m and he slid up really well and was strong through the line.”
Following the win, Spywire could now be aimed toward the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap at Morphettville on May 9.
Now a four-year-old, Spywire has recorded seven wins from 20 starts, along with six placings, accumulating prizemoney of $1.75 million.
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