Jockey Jim Byrne made the most of a bias towards leaders and inside barriers at Doomben to get Hi I’m Back into the winner’s list for the first time in seven months.
Hi I’m Back ($10) sat just behind a breakneck pace before beating Cantbuybetter ($9.50) by a long head with a long neck to With A Promise ($6.50) in the Kartaway Handicap (1200m).
It was Hi I’m Back’s first win since scoring at Eagle Farm in March.
He was the third horse to come from barrier one and the sixth to be on the pace in the first seven races at Doomben.
Trainer Tony Gollan was in Melbourne but stable foreman Holly Williams said Hi I’m Back had been a frustrating horse.
“He has been a bit of a pain because he has been working well and things just haven’t gone right. We thought he could win last week but his race was washed out,” Williams said.
“But he had barrier one here and that is a big advantage around this track.”
Byrne agreed and said Hi I’m Back had been working very well and had enjoyed a good run from barrier one.
Earlier, Gollan’s improving St Hilary ($12) continued to add to her value as a broodmare with her third win in a row Driver Recruitment Plate (1350m).
Gollan has taken St Hilary to the provincial tracks to build her confidence.
“She is starting to come good with age and eventually she will make a nice broodmare for her owners Glenlogan Park,” Williams said.
Premier jockey Jeff Lloyd turned in a top ride to win for trainer Chris Waller with the Rumour File ($4.80) in the Austrans Handicap (2200m).
“I have ridden for Chris but don’t ask me when was the last time. It is good to get on one for him again,” Lloyd said.
Waller’s Queensland manager Paul Shailer said the Rumour File is the type of horse Waller had targeted for Queensland.
“There are plenty of staying races here for these type horses. It us a case if you go to the pub every Thursday sooner or later you will win a meat tray,” Shailer said.
