Trainer David Vandyke had to use his persuasive powers to convince Rodney Quinn to ride in Sydney on Saturday and Bledisloe duly delivered the right result with victory in the final race at Rosehill.
The seven-year-old has done most of his racing in Hong Kong where he claimed just one win from 33 starts racing as Offsider.
He was Group placed at two in the South Australian Sires’ Produce when trained by John Sadler and has now won three races for Vandyke with his latest coming in the Nova 969 Handicap (1350m).
“I had to talk Rodney out of going to Kembla,” Vandyke said.
“I think this horse will be better at a mile and I’m looking to step him up soon.
“There are a few options for him. He relaxed really well which was pleasing to see.”
Bledisloe ($21) came from back in the field to put in a powerful run down the straight to put half a length on Disciple ($11) with Paramount Pete ($61) a neck third.
“He was going good as soon as he left the barriers,” Quinn said.
“I had so much underneath me, I was afraid to go too soon.
“When he let down he really went for it.”
Vandyke has forged a reputation over the past couple of years for rehabilitating problem horses and has built his stable numbers to 25 from four just a year ago.
