Jockey Dom Tourneur insists there is improvement to come from three-year-old Lucky Symbol after the gelding carried a big weight to a first-up win at Bendigo.
Stepping out for his first start this year, the Phillip Stokes-trained Lucky Symbol sat second behind a strong speed in the Woodside Park Stud Handicap (1000m) on Saturday before racing to the front inside the final 150m under 60.5kg.
Despite switching off and getting a little tired late, the son of Magnus held off the fast-finishing Menage A Charge by a short neck to take his record to four wins from five starts.
“He’s a nice little horse doing everything right. He’s got a lot of upside,” Tourneur said.
“As to how far we’ll get with him, I don’t know. But he’s done everything right to date.”
Tourneur said Lucky Symbol had a good blow after the race, indicating there was improvement to come as he continues to progress through the grades.
Meanwhile, four-year-old Lahou has continued to build on his solid record with a determined on-speed win in the Jayco Handicap (1300m), the gelding’s fourth victory from five starts this campaign.
“He’s a winner and you don’t have to make many excuses for winners,” co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said.
Laohu, the $3.40 favourite, defeated Lightenuff by a half head with three-quarters of a length to the luckless Hosting who never got a clear run until it was too late.
