Marty Major, which lives in a paddock rather than a stable, produced a dazzling sprint to win the Just Wrecking Toyotas Three-Year-Old Pace (1800m) at Globe Derby Park.
Settling three back in the running line in the small field of seven, Marty Major ($2.90 fav) dashed home to grab a half head win from Tyrion ($3) with Manonthemoon ($28.80) running home well to be 2-1/2 metres away third.
Trainer Jill Neilson said Marty Major would tie up if kept in a stable.
“He just loves being able to run around in a paddock,” Neilson said.
“The only problem can be if you are in a bit of a hurry to catch him and he isn’t ready to be caught.
“But he has been a good handy pacer for owner-breeder Geoff Easom.”
Easom, who runs the Wyndown Stud, is Neilson’s major owner and the pair have had a successful association over many years.
Marty Major was driven by Wayne Hill who took his SA winning tally for the season to 90 in a career-best effort.
Hill elected to taker the three-year-old back early from his gate six draw and was happy to sit back to the 300 metre mark before winding him up.
“I must admit I thought Wayne had left it a bit late, but I should have trusted his judgement,” Neilson said.
“It is the first time we have gone back with him and tonight shows he can race with a sit.”
The victory was just Marty Major’s second with two placings.
Neilson said the gelding was better than his form may suggest and she was keen to take him to Mildura to pick up a Vicbred bonus.
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