Putch’s first two runners for the stable, Always Hapi and Kitanlad, were both winners and Easy Jay ($8) became his third in the light blue and dark blue diamonds taking out the Rental Management Australia Maiden Plate (1014m).
Drawn the widest barrier in the nine-horse field, the three-year-old did it the hard way posted wide on the speed and after looking beaten fought back to regain the lead and edge out Xcessive Gamble ($13) in a photo finish with Knife Talk ($6) third, 1-1/4 lengths away.
“It was a pretty gutsy effort,” said trainer Vincent Malady.
“From the barrier draw he was always going to be wide so to cover the extra ground and win like he did was great.”
Easy Jay is a well-bred son of champion galloper Lonhro from Encosta de Lago mare Kiss From A Rose, who won four of her eight starts including the Listed 2011 STC Triscay Stakes.
“Just looking at him you can tell Easy Jay is a sprinter,” Vincent said.
“He is a short-coupled type and not overly big, but he is natural runner.”
“You just have to ride him where he is comfortable and not give him a dig out of the gates or he will over do it.”
At his only other starts, Easy Jay led when favourite and finished a creditable third at Ballarat on March 28.
Both his runs have been on wet tracks and he has gone through the ground well which is a good sign heading into winter,” Vincent said.
“It is all pretty positive with him at the moment, and he makes his own luck on the pace which certainly helps.”
Meanwhile Always Hapi, who is city-placed, won three races last year and Kitanlad posted her maiden win at Colac in December.