Ex-Japanese galloper Eddystone ($2.30) broke through for his first Australian win at Warrnambool last week, proving a class above 64-grade over 1700-metres. The five-year-old son of Heart’s Cry put the writing on the wall three weeks earlier, finishing all over heels in a BM70 race at Geelong at his second local start, allowing him a crack at lesser company for his next run. Jockey John Allen – who rode four winners on the day – settled his gelding ahead of only one rival throughout, before clicking him up at the 600-metre mark to give chase to the leaders. Eddystone soon looked the winner on straightening, resisting a brief challenge at the furlong mark and pulling away to win by a length-and-a-half, Allen easy on him late and sitting up for the photo.
“The race didn’t really go to plan, I was hoping we’d step cleaner and settle closer in the run”, the Irish hoop said post-race.
“Once he got a bit of room, he finished the race off well.
“He was good through the line”.
Henry echoed his jockey’s thoughts.
“He missed the start and got himself into a bit of an awkward position early. But Johnny was good, in that he got off the fence and into the travelling line in the early stages of the race.
“I think he’ll be better when he’s allowed to bowl along in front”.
Henry also noted that there’s scope to get his galloper out over more ground next preparation.
“Had the race been over further, he wins by further.
“Clearly 1700-metres today isn’t as good as 2000-metres for him in the future”.
Eddystone has had three Australian starts since arriving and is spelling at St Leonards, scheduled to return to work early in the new year.
The promising gelding now has three wins from twelve career starts, adding to his pair of Japanese victories.