Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Four-year-old Major Martini notched his third win from four starts after an injury-enforced absence of 19 months when he was not extended in beating Just Wing It in the 2130m Catalano Truck And Equipment Sales Kenwick Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
He was favourite at $2 from barrier six and settled down in sixth position in the field of seven before Gary Hall jnr sent him forward in the first lap to race outside the pacemaker Just Wing It ($5).
Major Martini accelerated quickly to burst to the front 5209m from home and he won by two lengths from Just Wing It, who battled on after he was at a disadvantage throughout by hanging outwards. The gelding’s tongue tie was dislodged during the race, and this, too, had a detrimental effect.
“He won within himself,” said trainer Justin Prentice. “And Junior said he felt good. Major Martini just needs more racing after having had a long time off.”
Major Martini has earned $309,833 from nine wins and seven placings from 18 starts.