Jockey Tom Stockdale reunited with consistent galloper Always Hapi to give the gelding his first city win at Sandown on Wednesday,
Tom was having on his second ride on the son of American Pharoah and could not have steered him any better to land the The Big Screen Company BM64 Hcp (1500m).
“He had a lovely run throughout, and the tempo set it up great for him,” said Tom who finished third on the gelding at Sandown last January.
“He was so relaxed today and got in a good rhythm, and I was on the back of the right horse to cart me into the straight.
Always;’ Hapi surprisingly was just over a length off the lead early in the race before taking a more customary midfield position mid-race with a good trail to the turn.
Straightening up he was held up before darting though a gap near the 250m.
“I had to thread the needle when we did go for the run, and he showed a good turn of foot.
“He definitely had a look around when he got to the front, and I was happy we had one (Farhh Flung, $8) to challenge us late to keep him interested.
In a photo finish Always Hapi ($6.50) held on to win beat Farhh Flung and the hot favourite Speak Now ($2.60).
The victory ended a frustrating run of seconds for Always Hapi who was runner-up at Donald, Seymour and Bendigo at his first three runs this campaign.
Always Hapi who has now won four races and placed another nine times in his 21 starts.
Putch Puyat who lives in the Philippines, owns Always Hapi who was a $50,000 yearling and has now earned $136,685.