Veteran galloper Fiery Heights took advantage of a track bias to leaders and landed some big bets in winning the Canadian Club Open (1200m) at Doomben.
Backed from $7 in Wednesday morning markets to $2.80, Fiery Heights crossed from the outside barrier to beat Star Reflection ($6) by 2-1/4 lengths.
The gelding was the fifth leader in seven races to win on a track showing a significant advantage to horses racing on the pace.
Trainer Barry Lockwood said Fiery Heights had been hamstrung by wide barriers at his four previous runs following a spell.
“He has been running in black-type races and seeing a lot of the outside fence,” Lockwood said.
“He had the outside barrier again but was a long way down in class and he was always going to lead with only 57kg after (jockey) Maddy’s (Wishart) 3kg claim.
“That was his tenth win and it encourages me because he is a pensioner like me. It showed he still has a win or two left,” Lockwood said.
It is rare the name Erhart doesn’t appear in the list of metropolitan winners each season and Kasear ensured the tradition continued with her win in the QTIS 2YO Handicap (1350m).
Tony Erhart was one of Brisbane’s top jockeys before retiring 25 years ago.
Since then he has helped his wife Lorraine train a few horses and they have had a steady stream of winners.
Kasear ($18) was their first city winner of the season and only their second overall, but Lorraine Erhart is confident there are more to come.
“She is a half-sister to our horse Drumadoir and like her it has taken time to work her out,” she said.
“Now she is out to the longer distances she should be on the way.”
Meanwhile, jockey Michael Murphy had an extra reason to be pleased with Dr Why Not ($6.50) winning the Colts, Geldings & Entires Maiden Plate (1200m).
“My grandmother died recently and she was a great fan and supporter. I would like to dedicate the win to her,” he said.
Apprentice Leah Kilner also scored her first Brisbane win when Stella Power ($5) won The Village Kitchen Handicap (1050m).
From the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Kilner has ridden 124 winners on all tracks but can still claim 3kg in Brisbane.
“She is a very good jockey and will be in demand here with her claim,” said Stella Power’s trainer Bryan Dais.
Trainer Michael Costa got off to a flying start for new owners the Giesemann family when Real Appeal ($3.80) won the Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate (1200m).
“It was a perfect way to start and I am looking forward to the association,” Costa said.
