Cowra trainer Paul Braddon’s decision to race Double Up Dee at Wentworth Park paid off on Wednesday night.
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Double Up Dee raced to his first city victory in stunning fashion in the Dukes Ladbrokes Preview Stakes (520m), swooping late on the front runners to clinch victory in a respectable 30.69s.
It was only his second look at the track after running fourth on debut in the city on July 4.
Braddon said victory made the trip worthwhile, despite not getting home till 1am on Thursday morning after leaving for Wentworth Park at 1pm.
“He always showed promise so we thought we’d take him down two weeks ago which was his first look and he improved and won last night,” Paul Braddon said.
It wasn’t looking good for Double Up Dee when he was last away in box five, however a beautiful rails run allowed him to sneak up and pip front runners Ellie Belles and Zombie at the post.
The final winning margin was one length with Zombie a further half-a-length away in third.
It was Double Up Dee’s seventh win from 19 starts and his second from his past three races.
“From the boxes I couldn’t see. I didn’t think I’d won until the bloke next to me congratulated me and I was very happy,” Braddon said.
“When he came past me I thought he’d run a place but he was good enough to win. He copped some checks along the way which is a good sign. The time wasn’t overly quick so I think he can improve on that.”
Taking plenty of confidence out of the performance Braddon is likely to return to Wentworth Park with Double Up Dee in coming weeks.
“I haven’t had a look yet. Probably take him back down there it’s where the prizemoney is so it’s where you need to go. Or Bathurst, it’s a long day when you go to Wentworth Park.”
Double Up Dee’s kennelmate Metallic Flash wasn’t as lucky on Wednesday night in his pursuit of a second straight Wentworth Park victory.
He became caught in traffic early after leaving box five and was forced to settle for seventh.
“He had a bit of a step up in grade and was cut off early. It’s hard to catch them when there’s that sort of pace up the front. He’ll bounce back, he’ll win more races there,” Braddon said.