Yendall Produces Ultimate Ride

A masterful rail-hugging ride from Dean Yendall ensured Ultimate Warrior denied favourite Torrefy of victory in the $30,000 Drake International Maiden Plate (1505m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Ultimate Warrior settled behind the leader Torrefy and travelled well throughout before Yendall pushed his mount through a wide opening on the rails to vie for the lead.

Taking his time to overhaul Torrefy ($3.90 fav) in the straight, Ultimate Warrior ($7-$5.50) eventually won by a long head with Who’s Bad finishing third beaten 1-3/4 lengths.

After the race Yendall deflected praise away from himself and towards the son of Pins.

“When they begin like he did today, putting themselves into a spot, it makes my job easier.”

“We were going at a slow tempo and I thought that usually around here they roll off the fence a little bit when coming into the straight - especially with green horses here with maiden gallopers.”

“Luck came my way,” Yendall summed up.

The leading country rider, who has won seven races in the Melbourne metropolitan area this season following the win of Banri Maeve later on Friday night's program, believes Ultimate Warrior will improve with further race experience.

“He’s really maturing, he’s still green.”

“He’s got a few little issues with him and I think with more racing it’ll come to him really quick.”

Ultimate Warrior has now raced three times for a win and a second with prizemoney in excess of $20,000.

Story by Carl Di Iorio, to view Virtual Form Guide story click here

Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Racepixvic website click here