Second Bullet hits target

Trainer Danny O'Brien is enjoying a fine run with the offspring of Encosta de Lago and Second Bullet added to the tally with a game victory in Saturday's Dilmah Teas Handicap (2040m) at Moonee Valley.

The Sicilian started a heavily backed $2.50 favourite and momentarily looked the winner when looming six wide at the home turn but he was unable to hold a determined Second Bullet ($5), galvanised by Damien Oliver to reach the lead inside the final 100 metres and repel the challenge of Gold Medals ($12) to score by a short-head.

The Sicilian finished a length away third with the first six home covered by three lengths.

O'Brien has won three straight with De Little Engine, a four-year-old by Encosta de Lago out of a Group 1 winner and there are parallels with Second Bullet, also a four-year-old by Encosta de Lago and out of the Group I winner Private Steer.

O'Brien said both were not that big physically but both possessed a will to win.

"He's probably the best one the mare has had and he's getting better as he stretches out,” O'Brien said.

"I think if he can stay he's got a future, today was his first try at the mile and a quarter and on the evidence of that he might even get further.”

Story by Darryl Sherer, to view full Racenet.com click here

Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno's website click here