Talented sprinter Keen Array has claimed his first win since last year’s spring carnival – but only just.

The four-year-old gelding started the $3.80 favourite in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday and held on to deny the fast-finishing Well Sprung by the barest margin at the end of 1200m.

“Watching it live I thought he’d definitely won but then when the photo came up I was a little bit worried,” co-trainer Tom Dabernig said after the official winning margin was posed as a nose.

Dabernig said the stable had been keen to try Keen Array at 1400m this preparation and win it could come as soon as next Saturday in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

“Or if we keep him sprinting there’s races like The Gilgai or another Listed race at Caulfield. There’s plenty of nice options for him,” he said.

Keen Array travelled three-wide just behind the leaders and then sprinted to the front at the 250m.

Well Sprung ($31) stormed down the outside from last with Santa Ana Lane another neck away third, just ahead of Hucklebuck.

Keen Array won four of his six starts last spring including the Blue Sapphire Stakes and finished second in the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.

Dabernig said the gelding didn’t come up during his three-start autumn campaign but has been delighted with the way he has returned in his two starts.

“He looks to have really come back well, so hopefully he’ll be peaking at the right time of year,” he said.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au