Tosen Impact got a confidence booster when he posted a well-deserved victory in emphatic fashion at Tatura.
The five-year-old had three times finished close seconds in maiden company but raised the hopes of his supporters it was going to be his day a long way from home in Monday’s Tyrepower Shepparton Maiden Plate (1980m).
Jockey Mitch Aitken could not have been happier with how well the Vincent Malady-trained gelding settled midfield before making his move 700 metres out.
“There was a lot of speed on today and I could have rolled back to the fence and followed two favourites, but being on the best horse in the race, I was happy to be off the rail instead of (potentially) being unlucky.
Tosen Impact ($4.70) was six lengths behind for most of the race and when Mitch called on him passing the 700 metres, he surged forward three-wide and was even wider disputing the lead on the home turn.
Showing no signs of stopping, the son of Tosen Stardom straightened up in the middle of the track and sustained his long run all the way to the winning post to score by 1-1/2 lengths from Bold Timothy ($31) and Hard Grunt ($16).
Tosen Impact had placed at six of his previous 12 starts and Mitch was leaving nothing to chance when Tosen Impact hit the front.
“I’ve always thought he was a good chaser, but he got (to the lead) too easy and too quick, so I gave him a couple of reminders to see him to the line.
“In the past he’s just found a couple that are gone better on the day but hopefully that gives him a bit more confidence.”
Tosen Impact races in Hirsch Racing’s black and gold silks as does his six-year-old half-sister and stablemate Carolina Sunrise who is a three-time winner.