Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 64412 Dashing Double

DASHING DOUBLE provided an initial success for a new ownership group to Aaron Bain Racing at Balaklava on Wednesday, March 11.

Hong Kong based Mr Ma, his daughter Jacqueline who lives in Victoria, and Headline Thoroughbreds own DASHING DOUBLE which led throughout in the 118 Years Racing at Balaklava Racecourse Maiden (1400m).

The three-year-old was having his first start for trainers Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor after coming across from New South Wales early this year.

The gelding had four thirds from eight starts in NSW but won well today and should notch more victories judging by his success.

Backed from $4 into $3.10 favourite, DASHING DOUBLE was taken to the front by late booking jockey Jackson Murphy and won untouched by three-quarters of a length from SCOOTATHEWOOTA ($21) with LUNAR VISTA ($61), a half-length away third.

Murphy replaced Todd Pannell who was ill and unable to fulfil his engagement.

Trainer Ned Taylor said he was certain DASHING DOUBLE would improve from the victory.

“It was great to get the result first up here for a new ownership group for us, Mr Ma, Jacqueline and Headline Thoroughbreds,” Taylor said.

“They have about 14 horses with us – from racing stock to unraced three-year-olds, two-year-olds and two being broken in at Angaston Park so it was good to kick off with a winner.

“A lot of credit for the connection goes to Sam Pritchard-Gordon from Cornerstone Stud, he has been working with them with their bloodstock side.

“He is a lovely looking horse, but we thought he would be better for the run today, he doesn’t do a lot more than he needs to in his work.

“When he pinged from the gates it was very advantageous around here. To his credit, late, he really dug in, changed legs, and won well.

“It was good for Jackson (Murphy), he jumped on late with Todd being crook today.

“To his credit, he came up to me pre-race and said he had spoken to Winona Costin who had ridden DASHING DOUBLE previously, so he did his homework.”

Winning jockey Jackson Murphy was delighted to pick up the ride and believes DASHING DOUBLE has an exciting future.

“He is a really nice horse,” Murphy said.

“He was probably a little but underdone today and it showed late.

“I think he is going to improve a lot from the run.

“Having his first run this way of going he was a little bit funny around the 600-metre mark, he wanted to run off the fence a little bit, obviously used to being on the other leg.

“Up the straight he was a little bit new and green and wanted to roll around.

“He did himself really proud, I think the owners should be really excited going forward.