OUR Mate Locky headlined a memorable Thursday at Ipswich, delivering a breakthrough maiden win that carried extra significance in a tight-knit family triumph.
The Invader x Koitaki Miss gelding rose to the occasion over 1700m, stepping up in distance and relishing the task to score at his 10th start.
Sent out as the $3.80 second favourite, he produced a composed finish under Ipswich hoop Jake Bayliss, handing trainer Jamie Bayliss, his father, a result to savour.
After earlier attempts over shorter trips, including 1350m, the added ground proved the missing piece, with Our Mate Locky edging clear to defeat race favourite Hello Dolly Diva ($2) by 0.76 lengths, with Cryption’s Desire ($13) in behind.
The meet began with a win from Lucky Pat, who made it two on the bounce in dominant fashion.
Zoustrology followed suit, breaking through for a deserved maiden victory at start six.
If the favourites largely held sway, Inquicktime provided the meeting’s spark. The $15 outsider flipped expectations in a Benchmark 65 over 1700m, holding off the well-backed Madame Cody ($2.25) to score by 0.74 lengths.
Ben Thompson capped a productive day with a riding double, guiding Scrumptious to victory in the final event. The Todd Pollard-trained filly was sent out as the $4.60 second favourite.
