A PATIENT ride from Albury Gold Cup winning jockey Kathy O’Hara helped Border Chic to an upset victory at Murrumbidgee Turf Club yesterday.
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Wodonga trainer Stephen Aldridge struck carnival success when Border Chic bloused the locals in the Sportsbar Plus Maiden Handicap (1000m).
A frantic tempo was set up front and O’Hara showed why she is one of the best in the business as she parked Border Chic just off the speed before hooking to the outside in the straight to score.
Border Chic ($12) broke through and edged out the Chris Heywood-trained Leucura ($5) by a half-length, with a further ¾-length to the Dave Heywood-trained Godolphin House ($14).
Border Chic had not featured in the placings at her first two starts but the win did not come as a surprise to Aldridge.
“Not really no,” Aldridge said.
“She ran a nice race here 10 days ago but just went a bit too hard early and condition gave way on her.
“There was good pace on today and she took a sit and found the line nicely.”
Aldridge had a race picked out at Wodonga later this month but will now go “back to the drawing board”.
He said the three-year-old filly continues to improve.
“That’s her third start and she’s improved every start,” he said.
“She didn’t show a huge amount early but every time we’ve stepped her up, she’s taken it.”
Aldridge described O’Hara’s ride as “lovely”.
He was also pleased to enjoy a win at Wagga.
“It’s been a while for us,” Aldridge said.
“It’s good to come and get one on opening day.”