Pinch River has lived up to his trainer’s high opinion of him with a runaway win in the Central Handicap (1050m) at Doomben.
Trainer Robert Heathcote compared Pinch River to a young version of his superstar Buffering but he has had a constant battle with the gelding’s hoof injuries.
“I have made no secret the fact I have had a huge wrap on Pinch River. But every time we get him right he has had problems with his hooves,” Heathcote said.
“As I said as a younger horse he reminded me of Buffering at the same stage but he obviously has never lived up to that. Still, I think he can be a stakes horse with luck.”
Pinch River ($10) went straight to the lead and beat Espiritu by five lengths.
Jockey Ron Stewart continued his run of double-figure odds winners with a daring ride on the gelding.
Stewart came out of a year’s hiatus in December and has ridden five winners at double-figure odds in the past month.
“I think Ron will be among the leading jockeys here soon,” Heathcote said.
