It was a shortened programme at Grafton races yesterday with the final three races being lost due to the continuing rain but before the postponement Grafton trainers managed to produce three early winners.
First to celebrate was Andy Parramore when stable favorite STEPPIN OUT made it two wins from his last four starts when he led throughout to win the BM 58 2230m.
Ridden by Stephen Traecey STEPPIN OUT established a huge lead by the 1600m and when the field had reached the 600m it was race over when the it was clear the chasers had let Traecey get away with murder up front. In the end STEPPIN OUT went on to score by over two lengths and was never really in danger of being reeled in.
Winner number two saw Dwayne Schmidt and Brooke Stower combine to win the Maiden 1115m with the consistent mare NO DOUBT A LADY.
This mare has been in the Schmidt yard for quite some time but never runs a bad race and put the writing on the wall at her most recent start when an unlucky third at Grafton.
Expected to race up on the pace NO DOUBT A LADY could not go the early speed and was almost last at the 900m mark.
Despite plan A being well and truly in the bin Stower did not panic got to the fence saved ground and shifted into the clear on the point of the corner, once balanced NO DOUBT A LADY raced strongly to the line to win well.
The final race of the day saw Greg Howells salute with stable newcomer REAL GENT which like the earlier winner led throughout to score in the Class 2 1630m.
REAL GENT was ridden by Grafton apprentice Kyle Wilson-Taylor and established a huge lead mid race and one stage near the 600m was at least fifteen lengths in front.
Once heads were turned for home Wilson – Taylor had a long wait up the long Grafton straight but REAL GENT had established a big enough break and although getting weary near the line held out too many guns for the opposition.
Greg Howells will no doubt be hoping the big wet continues with REAL GENT now having three runs on heavy tracks for three wins.