YOUNG WERTHER BREAKS DROUGHT

Gifted galloper Young Werther, who can boast four Group 1 placings, finally broke through for the second win of his career when he took out the VRC Member Clint Jellis Trophy (2000m) at Flemington.

The Danny O’Brien-trained galloper’s only previous win was on debut in a Geelong Maiden on September 6, 2020.

Twenty-two starts later, or 1040 days – plus another $1.28 million in stakes money since – Billy Egan guided Young Werther to victory in a tight finish.

Egan had concerns when Young Werther lost momentum when held up before the straight, but under his hard riding he surged home to defeat Milford in the final stride.

O’Brien stable representative Jack Howard said the challenge now was for him to win his third race.

“It’s really great for the owners who have been very patient. He’s been in and around the mark in big races. He’s promised us the world and he’s finally delivered today,” Howard said.

He said Young Werther returned from his Queensland campaign jumping out of his skin.

Howard said Young Werther’s work at Flemington last Tuesday suggested he was ready to go, but they were cautious because of his record.

“We’ve got the second win. The challenge is now to find his third win,” he said.

Story by Michael Manley

Pic by Racing Photos