Improving galloper Always Hapi dispelled any doubts about his wet track capability when he ploughed through the mud to post an emphatic midweek victory at Echuca.
The four-year-old on Thursday continued to work his way through his grades this campaign with his third win from his six starts while placing on another three occasions.
Coming off a last start second at Geelong, Always Hapi ($5.50) was having his first start on a heavy track but and improved from midfield to race away to a two-length win over Polly’s Deficit ($16) and Bell’s Innocent ($9) in the Moama Bowling Club 0-64 Hcp (1400m).
“The query was how he would handle the conditions, but he did it really well,” trainer Vincent Malady said.
Ridden by Lewis German, Always Hapi settled midfield and in typically fashion chased hard in the home straight.
“He’s a tough, consistent horse who tries hard every time Vincent said.
“No matter the variables in a race he never gives up and puts himself up there in the placings.”
With a fraction more luck Always Hapi could have won five of his six runs this campaign as he was beaten head when third at Wangaratta was again in a photo finish at Geelong.
Lewis German has ridden the son of American Pharaoh three times including when he scored a four-length maiden win at Donald in June.
“Vincent’s got him really flying this campaign,” German said.
Vincent said the form around Always Hapi suggests he will be competitive when rising to BM70 class next start.
“He’s been a great addition to the stable and it will be interesting to see how far he can go,” Vincent said.
“He loves the wet so that just gives him more options, especially at this time of the year.”