Always Hapi posted his second win in a month when he relished the heavy conditions to score at Ballarat on Sunday.
Jockey Tom Stockdale who won on the gelding at Sandown on September 13 was again aboard when he ran out an easy winner of the Sportsbet Loves Ballarat BM70 Hcp (1400m).
“The heavy track definitely played in his favour,” said Tom who has ridden the son of American Pharoah four times for two wins, a third and a fourth.
“He settled really well for me and quickened really well. It’s probably the most impressive turn of foot he has shown me, so he definitely likes the wets tracks.”
Heavy rain during the day led to the track being downgraded from a soft 5 to a heavy 9 by the end of the meeting.
Tom said the key to Always Hapi was being patient.
“If you come out nice a quiet on him, he is always going to relax and then you’ve just got to make sure you don’t present him too early.”
Always Hapi settled fourth in the run before easing around the heels of Brazen Lady early in the home straight.
After reaching the lead, Always Hapi ($8.50) surged clear the final 100 metres to beat Brazen Lady ($8.50) by 1-3/4 lengths with $1.80 favourite Matriarch Rose another 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Trainer Vincent Malady said the five-year-old had never raced better in his career and from six runs this this campaign he has won twice, finished second three times and a close fourth at Caulfield on September 23.
“He probably prefers a bit of give in the track so if it won’t worry him if the rain sticks around a bit longer in the spring,” Vincent said.