The Matt Hoysted-trained TOWN CRIER sprung a minor upset on his return to racing at Doomben on Saturday.
First-up since September, TOWN CRIER started an $11 chance in the 1110m BM70 contest, despite winning a barrier trial 11 days prior.
Just as he had slipped under the radar in betting markets, the 4yo gelding was allowed to hold the rail from a low draw and control a relatively sedate tempo in front.
The son of SPIRIT OF BOOM had the race favourite CERTAINLYCAN breathing down his neck upon straightening, setting up a battle royale between the pair in the home stretch.
TOWN CRIER was up for the fight though and repelled his challenger under the vigorous urgings of Irish jockey Luke Dempsey.
📣 Town Crier wins first up at Doomben, ridden by @luke_dempsey!@ProvenTbreds | @BrisRacingClub pic.twitter.com/uOTKtD7VZT
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 22, 2025
A widening three quarters of a length split was the margin on the line, with the best part of two lengths back to third.
“Great to see him return in that fashion and get a Saturday metropolitan win,” Hoysted said.
“I think he’s really in the zone at the moment. He walked around with a lot of purpose pre-race and went to the gates beautifully.
“Hopefully he can go on with it now because he’s always had the ability.”
A $160,000 Magic Millions yearling from Emirates Park, TOWN CRIER now has four wins and two placings to his name from a dozen starts.
The gelding was Proven’s 30th winner for the season. Stablemate NAVAL TRADER almost made it 31 wins when narrowly going down in the last race after a 3-wide run throughout.
