Melham gets Bullet home after misfire

Jockey Ben Melham revealed a heart-to-heart with trainer Danny O'Brien pre-race inspired his terrific ride that saw Second Bullet record a powerful victory at Flemington on Saturday.

"I slaughtered him in last start (when finishing fourth at Sandown on December 23) and I am just grateful that Danny and the connections allowed me to stay on him as he is a terrific horse," Melham said.

"Danny told me that I owed them, and it's great that we got it right today and got the guys the result as the horse deserved the win."

The win continued the gelding's love affair with the 2000m distance range as the victory was his fourth from nine starts over the distance, which also includes four placings and a fourth.

O'Brien has always held high hopes for the son Encosta De Lago, who is out of triple Group 1 winning mare Private Steer.

"He is ultra consistent this bloke, and his record should probably have been better but given his breeding we kept him a colt for longer than we should have," O'Brien said

"Ben gave him an excellent ride today and it's great start to the new year for Mick Burns and Brooke David, who have been great loyal clients of the stable."

Second Bullet took his prizemoney to $243,207 with his sixth win from his 24th start and O'Brien will be looking to make it back-to-back wins at headquarters with the quality stayer as he plans to run him in the 2500m event on his hometrack on January 16.

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