Big Swinger delivered a thrilling victory at Caulfield on Saturday, but not without causing some anxious moments for his supporters. The Charlotte Littlefield-trained three-year-old was a $1.80 favourite in the Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1200m), yet found himself in trouble for much of the run before bursting through late to win narrowly.

Jockey Ben Allen described the performance as “almost a trainwreck” after Big Swinger was boxed in and racing fiercely between runners before finally finding clear air at the 200m mark. Once out, the gelding accelerated sharply to nail longshot Flyer ($21) by a half-head, with No Fooling ($5.50) a further 1-1/4 lengths away in third, a result that left punters on betting apps breathing a sigh of relief.

Julian Hay, husband of the trainer, said the win validated what the stable sees from Big Swinger in training. “Wow. About a hundred (metres) to go, we were in all sorts,” Hay admitted. “He likes going pretty quick this horse and they just weren’t going quick enough for him. It was a really thrilling win.”

Despite an option to run in the Creswick Stakes (1200m) on July 5, Hay indicated the team may opt for a spell before a spring campaign. “Charlotte’s leaning towards giving him a break. He’s still very soft boned. He’s got a very long barrel. He’s a long horse, and he’s just not there yet,” he explained.

Allen, who rode a double on the day including a win aboard Salty Pearl, was impressed with the talent of Big Swinger. “The way he put them away today, and for the run he had, if he can be able to do that, I think he’s going to be quite a smart horse.”