DARREN Weir has firmed his grip on the Melbourne metropolitan trainers’ premiership.
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He increased his lead to seven with a double at Flemington on Saturday.
This gives the Ballarat horseman 28 wins with the season approaching the halfway point.
Peter Moody is next best as he strives to defend his title.
Flying Hostess ($7), with apprentice jockey Harry Coffey in the saddle, came from an outside barrier to score in the Dover Handicap, 1610m and then Corporate Takeover ($10) took out the Seascay 3yo Handicap, 1410m.
This takes the ultra consistent four-year-old mare Flying Hostess to five wins and seven minor placings in 17 career starts for almost
$240,000 in earnings.
Flying Hostess cost $25,000 at an Inglis Classic sale.
“We’re happy the stable is going well,” Weir said.
“Everyone has worked hard to get to this spot and to have plenty of runners in Melbourne is a great thrill for everyone involved.”
Flying Hostess was Weir’s second win of the day.
Promising three-year-old Rainbow Storm ($1.30 favourite) carried the big weight of 60kg to victory in a benchmark92 handicap, 1950m, at Morphettville.
This gives the prospective derby contender four wins in eight starts.
The three wins, plus one yesterday at Cranbourne gave Weir 100 nationally for the season.
BALLARAT district owned Jakkalberry has returned to racing on a winning note in England.
The globetrotting galloper, which is raced and syndicated by Ballan-based Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, saluted over 1800m at Wolverhampton.
It was his first race start since winning the grade 2 Dubai City of Gold at Meydan in March.
He was diagnosed with a tendon injury after that run, a setback which thwarted England-based trainer Marco Botti’s plans to target last year’s Melbourne Cup.
Jakkalberry finished third in the 2012 Melbourne Cup for ATB.