Despite some lingering apprehension, Austin Galati secured redemption for a recent minor error with Smooth Chino at Flemington on Saturday.
The jockey guided the talented sprinter to a narrow victory over Mazu in the $300,000 Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m).
The winning margin, a mere nose, was only slightly greater than his previous start in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington on October 3, where he was beaten a short-half-head by Skybird due to the riders of the first two finishers easing up before the finish line.
Galati ensured there was no repeat of that scenario this time and expressed his satisfaction in repaying the owners’ confidence in him.
“Thanks so much to Indi and the owners for keeping me on, especially after last time with the hiccup with the winning post, but we found it today,” Galati stated.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the horse. What an amazing team effort. Such a big credit to this horse and Indi for her second starter at Flemington – something like this is everything for us.”
This win marked Smooth Chino’s inaugural success in Victoria. The Maschino gelding was previously recognised as one of Western Australia’s top sprinters before relocating to Gawler, South Australia, with his trainer Indianna Weinert.
Acquired for $40,000 at the Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, the gelding now boasts eight wins from 13 outings, with Saturday’s victory pushing his career earnings to $926,780.
Smooth Chino ($8.50) and Mazu ($14) pulled away from the remainder of the McEwen Stakes field in the final stages, with the $2.50 favourite Extragalactic finishing a length behind in third.
“I cannot believe it, I took the punt to buy a horse that I didn’t even have the money to pay for him on the day and what he has done for me has changed my life,” Weinert commented.
“He needs to be over this way. In WA he was going to be out of his class there and here he seems to fit in very well.”
Weinert is now eager to test the horse at the highest level, with a potential start in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) on November 7 against Tempted being considered.
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