Three For Testapal
- Wednesday, 07 July 2010 04:38
The Russell Cameron trained Testapal notched up his third win in a row in today's $30,000 Wicksy And Westernport Hotel Handicap (1200m) at Betfair Park.
Testapal ($5,$7) was ridden superbly by apprentice Jason Maskiell settling on the pace and saving ground along the rail to challenge after straightening.
Despite scoring by just a long neck from Hotham Heights ($17) the win never looked in doubt with a further neck away to Chive Bloom ($4.20,$3.80) in third.
Cameron admitted being confident of Testapal's chances but wary of the heavy Betfair Park surface.
"Our only concern was if he could handle the real heavy track here today," said Cameron after the win.
Patience has been a virtue for Cameron who expects the lightly raced four-year-old to step up to Saturday class in the near future.
"He is a very immature horse and we have been taking our time with him, reaping the rewards," said Cameron.
"I think he can step up to Saturday company back on top of the ground, but we will see how he pulls up and go from there."
Maskiell continued his winning run since returning from a short break in Tasmania observing the gelding's toughness in the finish
"We had the form on the board, he jumped really sweetly and to his credit he was very tough when it mattered," said Maskiell.
"He seemed to wait for them a bit when he got to the front but a few strides before the post he flattened the ears and got going again."
Testapal has now won the three times from four starts for more than $50,000 in prizemoney.
Photos by Colin Bull
