David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins crossed off a milestone with their first metropolitan double at Sandown.
Now into their second season since joining forces, Brideoake and Jenkins had notched doubles at country venues, but never before on a city track, until Wednesday.
Affordable got the ball rolling when taking out the Ladbroke It! Handicap (2100m) before Dunalley saluted in the Ladbrokes Bet Ticker Handicap (1500m).
The win by Dunalley also provided apprentice Matthew Cartwright with a milestone of his own, being his 80th metropolitan winner and the end of his apprentice’s claim.
Jenkins said it was a thrill on two fronts, not only the double but in providing Cartwright, who is also Mornington based, with his claim ending win.
Affordable was coming off a midfield finish over 1600m at Moonee Valley on July 29 and relished the rise in trip.
Jenkins said the Moonee Valley outing had to be forgiven.
“Unfortunately, he drew wide, and Damien Oliver gave his run a good rap, and placed at a lower level than Saturday class he would be highly competitive,” Jenkins said.
“Dave has always been of the opinion that he will relish a trip and he got both today.
“It was good to see him do it today on dry ground and over a trip, so it will open up a few more options for him.”
While Affordable appreciated the rise in distance, coming back in trip worked in Dunalley’s favour.
Dunalley won her maiden over 2000m as a younger horse, but as she has got older Jenkins said the mare had struggled in her recent attempts at that trip.
After finishing in the second half of the field over 2100m, Dunalley was dropped in distance to finish third over 1600m before Wednesday’s 1500m success.
“I think that was a bit of trainer error,” Jenkins said.
“We got her out over a trip as a young three-year-old and gave her that chance this preparation, but we’ve learned the hard way that she’s a mare that likes that 1500 metres to 1800 metres.
“That’s her sweet spot and we’re seeing those results now.”
