It took to start number 13 for Act Natural to finally break his maiden status and connections of the galloper are hoping they won’t have to wait as long for win number two.
Act Natural resumes from a spell in the Fleurieu Milk Company Handicap (1100m) at Morphettville on Saturday having gone for a break a last start winner.
The Phillip Stokes-trained gelding broke through for his maiden success at start number 13 earlier in the year which came after eight second placings and four thirds from his 12 previous attempts.
Stokes’ son, South Australian-based assistant trainer Kerrin Stokes, said Act Natural had been a frustrating horse for the team but they could not knock the horse despite his winless record.
“We were frustrated as he loomed up to win in most of his races,” Stokes said.
“He’s very versatile. He handles any track, but he just found it very hard win. He kept bumping into one better, but they would always gap the field to the third horse.
“In saying that, he was ultra consistent. He stayed in work a long time and it was great that at his last start he got over the line.”
It is rare for a trainer to send a horse for a spell after finally breaking through, hoping that confidence booster may produce another win.
But Stokes conceded Act Natural had undergone a big preparation and had had enough by the time he won.
“He’s already won a lot of prize money, over $100,000, so the ownership group was happy with him, especially as every time he went around, he picked up a cheque,” Stokes said.
“I think he’s going really well this time in.
“He’s won a couple of trials – jump-outs, and at the same time I think he’s going better than last prep.”
Jockey Will Price will need to give Act Natural a good steer from barrier 12 which Stokes conceded was not ideal.
“We would have loved to have drawn a gate,” Stokes said.
“He’s going to need to get a good ride, get a bit of cover, but the main thing with him is not hitting the front too soon.
“He needs a nice cart into the race for as long as possible.”
