The changing fortunes of racing tested the resilience of trainer Nicole Pateman-Masters across two meetings last weekend.
It commenced in dashing style at Carnarvon on Friday when Omega Lighting put paid to his rivals with consummate ease.
Shaded by Rossa Mak for favouritism, Omega Lightning ran on strongly from third position and spaced his rivals by 3 ¼ lengths.
The former Perth trained gelding has found his niche after posting a maiden win at the same track on July 19.
Rossa Mak knocked up to finish fifth and 6 ½ lengths astern of the winner after setting the early tempo.
Pateman-Masters went close to claiming a double when stable star Full Steam Ahead was narrowly beaten at Belmont.
Arguably one of Western Australia’s most consistent and courageous gallopers, Full Steam Ahead ran third to Galaxy Prince.
Despite the impost of 61kg, the Trade Fair gelding loomed a genuine threat in the straight but fell a half-length short.
“He is just an honest horse who always gives his best and I can never knock his performances,” said Pateman-Masters.
“He is a horse who likes to have plenty of room to gallop and didn’t really appreciate being squeezed between runners.
“I think the 1600m was too short and he is looking for more ground, but it’s a matter of trying to find a suitable race for him.”
Noel Pateman joined his daughter in the winner’s list on Friday when Dimitrius won the Northern Guardian Handicap (1600m).
The Helenus gelding ended a long drought but attracted the attention of favourite punters after a close second to In Plain Sight a fortnight back.
Apprentice Casey Hunter maintained her good saddle form when she guided Ernie Boy to a comfortable maiden victory.
Hunter, fresh from her Roebourne Cup success on Rock Prince, had the Hayden Williams-trained five-year-old in a prominent position throughout.
Not An Act continued her resurgence under trainer Catherine Godden when she claimed back-to-back wins by close to four lengths.
The Akhenaton mare is relishing her new environment and has finished out of the first three just once in five starts this campaign.
After consecutive minor placings Tindal broke the shackles and reasserted his dominance when he chased down Iconoclast.
Tindal, prepared by leading trainer Jo-Anne Leeson, turned the tables on Iconoclast after running third to him at their previous meeting.
The Californian and Faslight fought out the closest finish of the meeting when the former prevailed by a short-neck margin.
The Californian, trained by Jacqueline Henderson, gave jockey Hayley Diener her first win of the Carnarvon season.