Four-year-old Guaranteed appreciated the firmer track at Horsham when he broke through for an overdue win on Saturday.
The gelding has been threatening to score this campaign and with a perfect ride from Liam Riordan landed in the Axis Employment 0-58 Hcp (1200m).
Settling fifth on the rails and four lengths off the lead, Guaranteed ($8.50) had a soft run before challenging the hot favourite, Alassak ($2.50) at the top of the straight and edging him out in a photo finish with Realtin ($19) a close third.
Guaranteed flagged he was close to a win last month when he finished second at both Edenhope and Donald on good tracks, but couldn’t finish off on heavy ground when fourth at Werribee last start.
Notably, this campaign Guaranteed’s two other unplaced runs were also on heavy tracks.
“I wouldn’t say he doesn’t handle wet tracks, but he prefers them dry,” trainer Vin Malady said.
Guaranteed has won two of his 21 starts including his maiden win at Hamilton in November 2021.
After being purchased online last year for $16,000, he had his first run for the Malady stable in June 2022 and from 13 runs for Vincent has a win, two seconds, three thirds and three fourths.
“He’s been solid without winning and hopefully this (win) will give him some confidence,” Vincent said.
His owners include many long-time stable clients and supporters who have been patient waiting for success with Guaranteed.
The son Akeed Mofeed is from the Fastnet Rock mare Essence, who coincidently on this weekend 11 years ago finished third in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks in Adelaide.
Guaranteed’s six-year-old brother, Indispensable, is an accomplished Queensland galloper who has earned nearly $340,000 from eight wins and 15 placings in 37 starts.
“Guaranteed has been living in the shadow of his brother so it would be nice to see him put a few more wins on the board.”