News

Theodore opens a winner…again

24th Jul 2013

Racing Victoria - Brad Bishop - Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Stephen Theodore enhanced his reputation as winter’s first-race specialist when Don’t Get Excited won the $35,000 Sportingbet.com.au Handicap (1000m) that launched today’s Sportingbet Park (Sandown) program.

The former Austy Coffey-trained gelding provided the Cranbourne conditioner with his ninth winner since the start of winter – from just 32 starters – and Theodore said it was the sixth time he has won an opening event in that time.

“The clubs have got the right idea, put me on nice and early and we’ll enjoy the rest of the day,” Theodore, who is renowned for celebrating every success, said.

Don’t Get Excited can be expected to appear later in the program in future runs with better wins in store on the strength of his effort in the 0-68 event for three-year-olds.

The son of Elvstroem let down impressively when asked by Michael Rodd early in the straight and was forced to fight hard late to hold off the challenge of Carvalho.

At the line the $4 favourite had 1-1/4 lengths to spare over Carvalho ($9) with Appoint ($13) five lengths away third.

“Austy Coffey told me he’s the best horse he’s had and I’m going to prove him right,” Theodore said.

“He was given to me in great condition and since he’s come to the stables he really had worked fantastic.

“I hadn’t had a look at him on a wet track, that was our big concern today, and I don’t even know whether he handled it that well.

“But he was the class horse, he was weighted up to it, and this isn’t the only win this bloke’s got in him.”

Don't Get Excited (3g Elvstroem x Tennessee Morn) is a graduate of the 2011 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale where he was offered by Ballarto Lodge.