Ollie masterclass sees Vellaspride home
Damien Oliver used all his guile and willpower to lift Vellaspride to victory at Sandown on Wednesday breaking a run of four consecutive second placings.
Trainer Danny O'Brien praised his jockey as the pair bought up their 10th metro victory for the season together.
"I did think at the 100m he was going to run second again when Damian Lane's mount ranged up to him, but credit to Ollie he put the stick in the left hand and made sure he stuck his head out right on the line," O'Brien said.
"He has been in great form this preparation, but he kept finding one better so it's fair to say he was due."
The win was Vellaspride's second at his 12th start and Oliver has teamed with the gelding twice for a second and Wednesday's win.
"To be fair, I think he is genuine, but has just been running into one better at his last few starts," Oliver said.
"He can stay very well and although he doesn't have a big acceleration, he keeps grinding away for you. He will make a good off-peak stayer at 2000m plus."
O'Brien said off the back of the win the Clangalang gelding was likely to head to the paddock ahead of a campaign through the winter.
"He is a young stayer that has been up a while and he has covered a fair few miles so by winning today, he probably has earned a little break," the trainer said.
Pic by Racing Photos
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