The New Boy notches deserved win..... just!

After a trail of near misses through the summer racing season, The New Boy broke through for a well deserved win at Flemington with a head-bobbing victory.

Following the race, trainer Danny O'Brien admitted that he thought the gutsy four-year-old had been run down late once again.

"I was hoping he held on, but right on the line I thought Lake Sententia had nabbed him, so to get the result is relieving," O'Brien said.

The Rock of Gibraltar gelding finished second in four successive races with the total margin of those defeats adding up to less than a length.

"The horse was running tremendously well through the summer, but kept being a sitting duck late and finding one better, so to get today's result is pleasing."

O'Brien made the decision to freshen the horse after he finished a close fifth in record time on Lightning Stakes Day, and the plan paid off with a well judged ride from jockey Nick Hall from the outside barrier.

"I considered scratching him however the speed map of this event looked like he would get forward without much trouble and he was once again brave late," O'Brien said.

"His fifth placing was probably his best run of last prep as he was stuck deep the entire trip on what was a hot tempo and he still had the temerity to be in front at the 100m.

"So after that race we decided to give him a break down at our Barwon Heads facility and it's great for the owners to get the success today," O'Brien said post race.

The Flemington trainer is hoping change of luck will see the horse string together a few wins in a row.

"He is a very good, honest horse so we will give him a chance before the winter to see if he can continue winning."

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