Ashley Maley’s high opinion of Via Ring A Rah was justified after the four-year-old mare scored a pulsating win at Carnarvon on Saturday.
The $2.20 favourite gave punters heart flutters when she turned for home a long way from the leaders but she unleashed a withering finish.
Urged on by jockey, Lisa Staples, the daughter of Via Corone sprouted wins in the straight and grabbed Iconoclast to win by short neck.
Maley said Via Ring A Rah, who posted a maiden win at Geraldton last month, was beginning to fulfil her potential.
“It was an outstanding win and an awesome run,” said Maley.
“She couldn’t get going early and didn’t handle the dirt.
“She was at least 15 lengths from the leaders and seven wide around the corner.
“I think she is capable of winning a Saturday race in Perth.
“I will stick to my original plan and take her to Broome.
“I’m hoping she gets used to racing on the dirt.
“I think she is one of the better horses in my stable.”
Via Ring A Rah was the only relief for punters with several rough results compounding a difficult meeting.
The biggest upset was Walkingintheair, a $77.50 rank outsider after beating just one home in last month’s Magnet Cup (1800m).
The Duke Of Marmalade mare, trained by Peter Moses, posted her second win from 25 starts and first since crossing from the eastern states.
Geraldton trainer Eddie McGuire enjoyed a perfect strike rate when his two runners returned with a double
Master Times, who shed his maiden tag, ran on from fourth on the corner to overhaul Trade My Pago by a half-length.
Business Secret, a good performer earlier in her campaign at Geraldton, finished strongly to edge out Catching Fire by a nose.
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