The Matt Hoysted-trained BOARD MEMBER made up for lost time with a break-through victory in a 1000m maiden at Toowoomba on Saturday night.
The 4yo mare was fast away from the inside gate but apprentice jockey Fiona Sandhukl had little option but to let JEROBI cross and lead as her opponent was hell-bent on leading.
But the frantic speed meant there was plenty of space for BOARD MEMBER to come away from the rail and park outside the lead.
It took a few strides for the daughter of CAPITALIST to get going in the straight but she began to edge clear at the 100m.
On the line, BOARD MEMBER ($1.55) had 1.3L to spare over JEROBI ($4.80) with a further 6.5L to TWOPENCE ($14) in third.
“There were two 1000m maidens on the night and this one has gone nearly half a second faster,” times analyst Nic Ashman said.
“And their respective last 600m times are almost identical so there is no argument this was by far the stronger maiden.
“She was explosive out of the gates yet tradesman-like in the straight.”
BOARD MEMBER has been a ‘slow burn’ for her ownership group. Since returning from a long-term injury as a 2yo, she has taken a while to learn the racing caper but Saturday’s win showed she is starting to put things together.
“She’s still doing a few little things wrong but it was great to see her get the maiden out of the way,” Hoysted said.
“Hopefully she can take good confidence out of that win and keep improving.”
BOARD MEMBER was purchased from the Newgate Farm draft of the 2022 Magic Millions Yearling Sale. She cost $130,000 and brought up our 50th winner for 2024.