But tonight at Moonee Valley there were some overdue smiles on the face of the Balranald based grazier. A thoroughbred gelding, named after his cereal growing station in lower western New South Wales, Littlewood Lane stamped his name as a promising young galloper as he finished too well to win the World Masters Games Handicap (1200m).

After a copybook ride from Group One winning rider Greg Childs, the Geni Gillis trained four-year-old proved too strong for the pacesetters Wyndam All and Steel King.

Gillis, who trained last year's VRC Derby runner-up Zarek, said the gelding is a very promising commodity.

"He's a nice horse and he looks to have a nice future," she said.

Gillis said the win was a great boost to Blore who was not enjoying the current weather conditions at his property.

"Steve told me we had to win tonight," she said with a laugh. "So it's good he (Littlewood Lane) came out and did it for him."

Littlewood Lane derives his name from his owner's property which is named Littlewood Station.

Gillis said the gelding should stretch out to a mile (1600m) and graduate to better class races in the future.

And you can bet Steve Blore will be cheering loudly from the grandstands when he next wins, which by the ease of tonight's success shouldn't be too far down the track.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

fShare

Tweet