Trent Wheeler was more than pleased to declare Once Bitten’s surprising victory in the Group 1 Westbred 3YO Fillies Classic Pace (2130m) at Gloucester Park on Friday his biggest thrill in racing.
Wheeler and his trainer father, Brian, conspired to upset the two favourites Delightful Jade and Lady Willoughby who dominated pre-race interest and discussion.
Delightful Jade, from the Andrew De Campo team, and Lady Willoughby, trained by Ross Olivieri, were the only runners under double figure odds.
Delightful Jade, who started a narrow favourite, earned her status with a consistent record of 16 wins from her previous 27 starts and a gun draw.
Blessed with sparkling gate speed, Delightful Jade found the front from barrier three on the front line and dictated terms for the majority of the race.
But Once Bitten, who sat on the leaders back, defied her $13.10 rating when she capitalised on a dream run at the top of the home straight.
“We got a bit of luck in running and when the barrier draw came out it made it easier to sit on Delightful Jade who was the best horse in the race,” said Wheeler on TAB Radio.
“We got luck at the top of the straight but we also had a horse good enough who was able to get the job done.
“It’s definitely the biggest thrill I’ve ever had in racing.”
Once Bitten has been in the care of the Wheeler family for just a short period but has made a suitable impression with a strike rate of two wins and three placings from seven career starts.
Wheeler believes she has performed above expectations.
“I was wasn’t a big fan of the horse when it entered dad’s stable about eight weeks ago,” said Wheeler.
“But she proved me wrong on Friday so it was really good to see that.
“She knows what she wants to do and has an attitude to be a race horse.
“She gets fired up every now and then but when she saw the gap she went through it and that’s the main thing.”
Once Bitten defeated Delightful Jade by one metre with La Mia Juliette finishing third. Lady Willoughby was close up in fourth.
Once Bitten gave Wheeler his second triumph in the space of several months after Disco Spirit won the Collie Cup in March.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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