The Donna Scott-trained La Sante looks assured of a start in the Country Championship qualifier in February after saluting at Corowa on Monday.
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La Sante made it back-to-back wins in the $22,000 Benchmark 66 Hcp, (1200m) after also winning at Wagga earlier this month.
Ridden by Jack Martin, La Sante settled in a more prominent position in contrast to his usual racing pattern of settling worse than midfield.
The change of tactics proved decisive as La Sante surged to the lead over the final furlong and proved too strong for Ghost Doctor who issued a late challenge.
The victory guaranteed La Sante a berth in the Country Championship qualifier with a rating higher than 63 most likely needed to gain a start.
Scott said the victory was full of merit from her emerging galloper who has won four of 12 career starts.
"I thought he did a pretty good job to get the win," Scott said.
"After Halo Warrior (stablemate) got beat earlier in the day it emphasised how Corowa can be a tricky track to make ground on.
"You virtually have to settle in the first four to be a winning hope.
"So after the first horse settled back and ruined his chances, I stressed to Jack that he needed to have La Sante settle in the first four.
"Jack said it was a tough win because settling forward just off the speed is not how the horse wants to be ridden.
"But the horse was good enough to be out of his comfort zone and still get the job done."
IN OTHER NEWS
La Sante will now have a freshen-up before having a lead-up run heading into the Country Championship qualifier.
Scott looks to have a strong hand in the lucrative feature with stablemate Oamanikka also a certain starter.
The in-form trainer is also hoping Halo Warrior and Bautista can boost their rating to warrant a start.
Scott is no stranger to Country Championship success after her mighty mare Bennelong Dancer made three consecutive finals.
Bennelong Dancer stamped herself as one of the most talented gallopers in the Riverina after finishing fourth in 2018.
She also ran third in the final the following year.
