Hard work with inexpensive horses is starting to pay a dividend for South Australian trainer Travis Doudle.
The Morphettville-based horseman has collected 18 wins this season, the first time he’s clicked into double figures since commencing training in Port Lincoln in 2012.
He had his first Group One runner last Saturday with Tropical Lightning, a $151 outsider, finishing fourth in the South Australian Derby.
With a team of between six and 10 in work, Doudle says the results have been fantastic.
“I’m really happy with the team and there’s not much money in the stable,” he said.
“Miss Identified cost $15,000, Lord Topper cost $12,000 and I had Tropical Lightning run fourth in the Derby on Saturday and he cost $15,000.
“They’re my most expensive horses and are doing the job at the moment.”
On Wednesday Doudle makes a rare visit to Victoria with Miss Identified in the Dream Thoroughbreds Handicap at Sandown.
She’ll be his sixth Victorian starter having previously saddled four city runners and one at Edenhope.
“I think she’s earned her chance,” Doudle said.
“She’s won six races here in Adelaide and especially a midweek city race might be suitable for her.
“We’ll test her out and see what she’s got.”
Miss Identified finished well back at her only previous outing at Sandown last August but Doudle is expecting a better showing on Wednesday.
She flashed home at her latest outing on the tight Morphettville Parks circuit for third.
“She’s been down the beach to keep her fresh and she’s done super since her last run,” Doudle said.
“She drifts back in the first half of the race and her last bit is usually her best.
“She’ll be attacking late and we’ll see if we can get there.”
Apprentice Stephanie Thornton, who returned from a month out through injury at Sandown last week, has the ride on Wednesday.
Miss Identified is rated a $10 in early betting with That Rings A Bell the $4.40 favourite ahead of Summer Glen at $5.
