A drop back in distance and a gun Dean Yendall steer were key factors in five-year-old mare, Firebase Coral, breaking her maiden status at Casterton on Sunday. Trainer Henry Dwyer gave his galloper a freshen up following a disappointing effort at Murray Bridge in July and, with the addition of winkers, his galloper responded in excellent fashion. The 1.2-length win came at start number six for the daughter of Stratum and jockey Yendall was typically forthright post-race. “I spoke to Henry on the way here and said his form doesn’t look too flash, but the field he was in today presented a good chance for him to win his first race which eventuated. He looked a picture”.
Firebase Coral was a little slow away from gate one but Yendall gradually improved inside runners to land leader’s back for most of the run. The star country hoop was able to push into the clear upon straightening and had too much in hand for race favourite Joe’s Giggle, who faced the breeze three-wide for most of the trip. It was a strong win by the Dwyer runner and the Ballarat camp will hope their mare can progress from her confidence boosting win.