News

Digitalism delivers overdue win in new $40,000 race

4th Aug 2014

Racing Victoria - Brad Bishop - Saturday, 2 August 2014

John Sadler would have preferred it was for standard Saturday metropolitan prizemoney, but the Caulfield trainer found it hard to complain after Digitalism’s win in the Advanced Mailing Solutions Handicap at Moonee Valley.

The five-year-old son of Fastnet Rock broke through for his first win since 7 August last year when he survived a late charge from Count Encosta in the 1600-metre event for benchmark 78 performers.

It was the first of the $40,000 races that have been added to Saturday city meetings for the 2014/15 season and Sadler said had it not have been on the card Digitalism probably would have found himself in Adelaide.

“I could debate for it or against it (the $40,000 races), but these sort of horses Victoria is probably losing to (race in) Adelaide,” Sadler said.

“That’s certainly where we would have been looking with him. It’s really good that he’s a winner at Moonee Valley on Saturday, but he’s won a midweek purse.

“But I suppose it’s an extra race that this time of year last year wouldn’t have been put on, so we wouldn’t have been able to win, which makes it hard to complain about.”

Digitalism took his career record to five wins from 26 starts with his victory.

The gelding settled just worse than midfield and charged into the race rounding the home turn to dash to the front shortly after straightening before holding off the late challenge from Count Encosta.

Digitalism, who started at $6.50, held on to score by a short-half-head, with Devonshire Duke ($5) three quarters of a length behind Count Encosta ($4.20 fav).

It was Digitalism’s second start since rejoining Sadler after a stint with Darren Weir, who ironically prepared the runner-up.

“He’s been in a very long time and he ran some very good races for Darren in better company than this,” Sadler said.

“I said to Phil (Sly, owner) I thought he was quite well-placed but he’s a hard horse to push anybody into as far as betting is concerned. I’m just really happy to get a win in town with him.”

Digitalism was ridden to victory by Katelyn Mallyon, who continued a stellar run that saw her recently register her second win in the Victorian Metropolitan Apprentices’ Premiership.