The addition of blinkers ignited CREWMAN to a maiden victory at Kembla Grange on Thursday.
The Joe Pride-trained 3YO had trialled well leading into this preparation but failed to take that form to the races, finishing down the course in two runs over 1300m and 1350m.
But up to 1600m with the key gear change of blinkers, CREWMAN looked a different horse.
The son of MERCHANT NAVY travelled outside the leader for Tyler Schiller before taking over at the top of the long home straight and staving off all challengers in a gritty performance.
“He was terrific. He jumped well today, put himself on the speed and around the corner he gave me a feel that he was going to keep quickening,” Schiller said post-race.
“We hit the front way too soon – we were a sitting duck – but he gave a good dig when he needed to.
“He relaxed well. Think he will make a nice 1800m horse, maybe even 2000m.”
CREWMAN’s staying potential can be attributed to his dam AWSAAF, a daughter of the late, great HIGH CHAPARRAL.
Proven Thoroughbreds purchased CREWMAN for $100,000 from Amarina Farm’s draft at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
CREWMAN becomes Proven’s 47th winner for the season which concludes on Monday.