Lightly-raced three-year-old HI ZERO made an emphatic return to racing when shedding his maiden tag in midweek company at Ipswich.
The Steve O’Dea-trained gelding began well from the outside gate to stalk the leaders in third before prevailing in a tight duel with Great Keppell down the home straight.
HI ZERO was first-up since December last year but showed no signs of rustiness as he posted his first career win at start number four.
The son of EUROZONE got out to 1400m in his initial preparation and winning rider Ron Stewart believes the gelding will relish racing beyond 1200m as a more mature racehorse.
“He was tough to the line and once he gets over a bit further he’ll be even better,” he said.
HI ZERO represents Proven Thoroughbreds’ 33rd winner for the calendar year. Our previous record of 49 winners appears well and truly within reach in 2019!