Metrical produced a sensational sprint to win the final race of the South Australian Racing Carnival at Morphettville on Saturday, May 10.
Trained by Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor, Metrical ($21) flashed down the outside to win the $75,000 Grand Syndicates Handicap (1200m) by a long head from Sachem ($10) with Great Maximus ($4.60) a head away third.
The five-year-old had been listed as third emergency for the event but managed to obtain a start on Friday with three scratchings and the ABR trainers were looking forward to testing him in the Benchmark 68 handicap.
Jockey Jason Holder had the gelding away nicely and settled just worse than midfield with cover but improved to be just behind the leading pack turning for home.
Holder got the gelding to the extreme outside into the clear with 200 metres left and Metrical exploded to grab victory.
Trainer Aaron Bain said with his win Metrical had proved a value purchase.
“It was a great way to end the carnival,” Bain said.
“We find with the tried horses they have a really good second prep for us.
“All his work leading up to today had impressed the whole team – Ned (Taylor), Will (O’Malley) and Barend (Vorster) – when he came into the mounting yard he looked outstanding.
“He ran really well first up for us at 1250 around the Parks track when we bought him, flashed home and unlucky not to win.
“Today was just a perfect race for him on the main track and worth $75,000 – I think he doubled his purchase price with what we collect today.
“For the owners it is a great result.
“Full credit to our whole team, the systems are really starting to work – we have the right people in the right places – and that includes our ownership base.
“We will see the best of Metrical with the sting out of the ground.
“To win today, he is going to have a good prep.”
Winning jockey Jason Holder
“It was great to finish Goodwood day with a win,” Holder said.
“Metrical has run well since coming into the ABR stable.
“I’m sure we are all learning about him with time.
“Aaron said not to go 30-wide turning for home but to keep him balanced with one last run at them.
“I think he really loved that.
“He was travelling really good on the corner and I just needed to get out.
“He was in the right part of the track and let down beautifully.”