Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 65868 Blackjack

The inside rail proved the shortest way home for the talented Blackjack in the Kookaburra Homes Handicap (1600m) at Murray Bridge on Saturday, September 26.

Jockey Jackson Murphy made a smart move to head inside as others sought wider going turning for home and it proved the correct option.

Trained by Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor, Blackjack ($10) established a winning lead and scored by three-quarters of a length from Uptown Monk ($3.40 eq fav) with Win To Retire ($91), a similar margin away third.

From barrier six, Murphy was able to settle the four-year-old just behind the speed and the gelding travelled well to the home turn.

The leader came away from the inside and Murphy made the right decision to stay inside and Blackjack dashed through to grab what proved to be a winning break.

Winning trainer Ned Taylor said Blackjack had deserved the win.

“It was a very tough effort last start,” Taylor said.

“He went hard and probably was entitled to fold but actually gave a kick on the bend and was just collared late.

“Today, he got an easier run and put them away.

“Will (Racing Manager Will O’Malley) walked the track this morning and with the rail where it is, the inside lanes are certainly not inferior.

“It was a good ride by Jackson (Murphy) and a good win.

“Putting the blinkers on has really switched him on and he is really travelling well in his races and finishing them off.

“It was good to get a win over a mile (1600m) and that is probably his trip.”

Winning jockey Jackson Murphy agreed Blackjack’s form had been good enough for today’s race.

“He ran really well at Morphettville at his last run,” Murphy said.

“He got annoyed a bit early, he was really strong to the corner and put a length on them but just couldn’t quite hold it together late.

“Today I was happy to take a bit more cover.

“They went steady early. I thought he applied himself really well and travelled nicely under me.

“He put them away quite comfortably I felt, he had a lot more in hand.

“He can think a lot and had a look at the winning post, and I had to urge him to keep going.

“I think the horse has a lot more upside after today.”