Out and out stayer Maritorious (pictured) got the maiden win at Ballarat on Thursday with Johnny Allen in the saddle.
She was on the quick back up but the step out in trip looked ideal for her and she was able to get the win on the board for her connections. A mare by Dandino, the family seem to take time to hit their straps and Maritorious is no different. Although she has had the 5 race starts, riders report that Maritorious is still green and not too sure how to lengthen and round off her races. It was very satisfying to get the win for Darren Dance who bred Maritorious.
El James took the next step out of maiden grade with an impressive win at Ballarat. Not many horses win their maiden and go onto their next start and win again. El James made easy work of the step up in grade courtesy of a great ride by Jordan Childs. He eventually settled well over the 2000m and rounding the home turn all he needed was room. El James was able to sneak back to the rails, not go around a horse and showed a great turn of foot to go on and win by a length. Once he learns to settle and do things the right way around, El James is a progressive stayer moving forward.
Congratulations to both groups of winning connections.
