Astute placement paid off for trainer Chris Waller as promising gelding Crossbow broke his maiden on a metropolitan stage, taking out Victoria’s first city race of the new season. The son of Better Than Ready was far too strong for his rivals, winning the $150,000 TAB We’re On BM70 Handicap (1410m) at his first Victorian outing.
Crossbow was rewarded for his consistency after narrow defeats at Randwick and Canterbury in his previous two starts. This time, he enjoyed a trouble-free run and put his rivals away with ease to score an authoritative victory. Jockey Ben Melham, who partnered Crossbow for the first time, was full of praise for the up-and-coming three-year-old.
“He began well, did everything right and was a real gentleman today. I was able to let him roll through his gears rather than rush him like I had to last start,” Melham said. “He’s a lovely horse to ride, very progressive and with a terrific temperament. He was strong through the line over 1400m, so I’ve no doubt he’ll get a mile and maybe even further, but that’s for Chris to decide.”
Crossbow has firmed to a $26 chance for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in mid-October following the victory. Starting the $3.50 second favourite, he defeated fellow Sydney visitor Hillier ($9) by a short neck, with $2.05 favourite Exit finishing third after racing greenly in the straight. Jockey Blake Shinn, who rode Exit, reported the filly—an impressive Sandown winner at her previous start—would be better suited on a softer surface than the Good 4 track she encountered.