Gambler’s Blues has ended a losing streak stretching to autumn last year by winning for the first time on his home track at Rosehill.
The seven-year-old gelding spiked a frustrating sequence of near misses for trainer Tim Martin, who missed Gambler’s Blues fourth career win after being caught in traffic.
Fortunately, Gambler’s Blues had no difficulty weaving past his rivals in the National Jockeys Trust Handicap (2000m) on Saturday before prevailing in a tight finish.
Gambler’s Blues ($4.20) scored by a head from the Chris Waller-trained Lead Choreographer ($12).
Waller, who had six runners in the race, also had Carzoff ($8) a short neck back in third while English import Mornington, the $3.80 favourite, was fourth.
Gambler’s Blues headed for the winner’s stall for the first time since he won a benchmark 78 handicap at Warwick Farm in March 2016.
He also ended a string of six seconds from eight starts at Rosehill, including his previous two starts this preparation.
“He doesn’t like winning,” jockey Adam Hyeronimus joked.
“As soon as he hit the front he thought it was time to pull up stumps but to his credit he’s as a fiddle and he was able to get the job done.”
Stable representative and part-owner Justin Webb credited Hyeronimus, who earlier rode Magic Choir to victory in the Highway Handicap, with an astute ride.
“It was a lovely by Adam. He settled in just behind the speed and got him out the right time. For a change he hit the line in front,” Webb said.
