LOCKDOWN LUCK FOR THORNTON

The looming Covid Lockdown paid dividends for jockey Damien Thornton before it even begun with the hoop winning on late pick-up ride Button Express at Sale today. 

With rider Ben Allen relinquishing his rides today so he could make it to Queensland for the weekend’s Derby meeting, Thornton picked up the ride on the Danny O'Brien-trained mare. 

“I have to thank Ben Allen for giving up the ride and Danny for putting me on,” Thornton said post race. 

“She made me look good as I probably went for home a bit earlier than I should have, but she was too good.”

After a solid second placing in Adelaide first-up, the daughter of Shamexpress backed up that run with today’s excellent performance for her third career win. 

"She is in good form and had a bit up her sleeve as she waited for them a bit given how early we hit the lead," Thornton added.

It could be a big few days for Thornton teaming with the O'Brien stable, as the will partner for Rosemont Stud filly La Isla Bonita at Cranbourne on Friday and back-to-back winner Sugartown for Widden Stud at Caulfield on Saturday.

Pic By Racing Photos