CONNECTIONS of Ajay had their patience rewarded after the injury prone galloper saluted at Corowa yesterday.
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Despite turning six next month, the Craig Widdison-trained galloper was only having his second career start in the $22,000 Maiden Hcp, (1000m) with Nick Souquet aboard.
The gelding was well beaten on debut at Wagga last month.
Souquet took advantage of drawing the inside barrier to find the front aboard Ajay with 600-metres left to travel.
Once in front, Souquet rated Ajay ($3.30) to perfection and was never seriously challenged in the home straight as he cruised to victory by almost two-lengths.
Longshot Idle Fancy ($41) finished second ahead of the bolter Edric ($100).
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Widdison said Ajay had a delayed start to his career because of tendon issues.
"He had a couple of jump outs early on in his career and he just gave a tendon a knock," Widdison said.
"I didn't have him at the time but he had 12 months in the paddock.
"His owner decided to send him to my stable and we had the tendon scanned and there wasn't an issue.
"So I started training him and he's a lovely horse to do most things with but he has got a bit of an attitude.
"I thought his first-up run was great.
"He had to do plenty of work and it was always going to be a big ask crossing the field and leading at Wagga in your first start.
"We thought he'd taken good improvement, so we whacked the blinkers on and after he drew one it looked a nice race for him."
Corowa trainer Rick Freyer also landed a winner on his home track after Framework saluted in the $22,000 Benchmark 58 Hcp, (1300m).
Framework benefited from a clever ride from jockey Rebeka Prest.
Albury trainers Ron Stubbs and John Whitelaw both made the trip to Corowa worthwhile.
Squidensquizz saluted for Stubbs while The Doctor's Son lumped 60-kilograms to victory for Whitelaw.
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