Victorian galloper Linton has capitalised on a dream run along the rails to win the $1.36 million Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm.
Coming from last as the Group One field headed for the finish, Linton scraped the fence for jockey Nick Hall to deny Queensland star Buffering his first Group One win.
Linton, Nicholas Hall - Photo by Daniel Costello
Trained as a stayer during the early part of his career, Linton has been transformed into a serious sprinter under the guidance of John Sadler.
“All credit goes to John Sadler,” Malua Racing’s Troy Corstens said.
“He mention a few months ago he would like to set him for the Stradbroke and I laughed.”
The win was a first at Group One level for the horse and Malua Racing.
Buffering had to settle for his second runner-up placing in the race in as many years.
He led the field and looked set to end a frustating sequence of Group One placings until he was ambushed on the inside by Linton.
Sydney mare Streama finished third, leaving top three-year-olds Sizzling, Your Song and Epaulette out of the placings.
