Jo Anne Leeson received a big boost when stable newcomer Trade Tip won the Gascoyne Hotel Ladies Bracelet (1200m) at Carnarvon on Saturday.
The former Perth galloper was racing first-up for Leeson and she can look forward to further success after the gelding revealed his fighting qualities.
Trade Tip started from the widest gate, carried 60kg and met stiff resistance from Magic Rhythm, but attacked the line hard for a neck win.
“It was a great result but I’ve only had him for about a week so credit must go to his previous trainer, Ben Pearce,” said Leeson.
“He arrived in great order and I was impressed by the way he looked and how he got stuck straight into his work.
“I was a bit nervous because you are never certain how they are going to adapt to racing on the dirt for the first time.
“I think he can go on with it if he is not burdened by weight and on his performance I will have to look at the Manilya Sprint.”
Trade Tip gave Leeson and jockey Andrew Castle the second leg of a double after they combined with Tindal in the Jed Lancaster Handicap (1200m).
The eight-year-old was sent out the odds on favourite and gave supporters little cause for concern when he kicked away to win by a dominant three lengths.
“He is just professional in everything he does and is a stable favourite,” said Leeson.
“He has different gears this horse and makes me look very good as a trainer.”
Tindal, who joined Leeson from Sydney last year, has now won seven races from 49 starts and boosted stake earnings to $304, 360.
Stable mate Tell Me This started the Gascoyne Hotel Ladies Day Handicap (1400m) as the warm favourite but was no match for Hurry A Lot.
The four-year-old was closing in fast and doing his best work late but couldn’t bridge the gap on the winner, finishing 4 ½ lengths adrift in second place.
“He didn’t get much luck early and only got into the race late,” said Leeson.
“I think there is improvement there and I wouldn’t dismiss him.”
Late Change showed there was still plenty of zest in his ageing 11-year-old legs when he ran second to Fine Equity in the Bob Levitt Memorial Handicap (1000m).
The Gundane gelding, who won five of his previous six starts, was racing first up after an absence of 223 days.
“He has been a handy horse who always manages a cheque,” said Leeson.