News

Testarhythm makes an impressive winning return

20th Jun 2011

Racenet - Aaron Mills - Saturday, 18 June 2011

Newcastle trainer Darren Smith looks to have a promising performer on his hands after Testarhythm took out the Latch-On Education Program Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Smith said the son of Testa Rossa has always shown above average ability but it had been a struggle to get him back to the track.

"We had a little problem with him when he was ready to go off to the races,” Smith said. "It looks like he had a lot of time off but he had been in the stable for a while. I also had him gelded which was hard for the horse.

"We have always had a big wrap on him and thought he would measure up to at least Listed company.”

Jockey Tim Clark said his instructions were to be positive from the outside barrier in the field of eight aboard the gelding at his first run from a long spell.

"If I didn’t press the button and cross them quickly I could have been posted. Once he found the front we controlled the race from there,” Clark said.

Testarhythm worked hard to cross from the wide barrier but then controlled the speed to the home turn.

Sticking close to the rail, he kicked over a length clear on straightening and held a commanding margin over the John O’Shea-trained filly Miss Marx on the line.

Beltane was third for the Peter Snowden camp.

Smith said he'd go home and set a program for Testarhythm with "BOBS races" in his sights.

The market – The winner Testarhythm had his admirers and firmed in from $6.50 to $5.50.

Testarhythm ($110,000 Classic 2009, 3g Testa Rossa-Dancing Bridges (NZ))