Former Otaki trainer Rachael Frost enjoyed a breakthrough victory at Sandown on Wednesday when Redefine was successful in the Spicer Thoroughbreds Handicap (1400m).
The four-year-old son of Captain Rio has been Frost's only runner since
she relocated to Mornington last month and followed up a solid fifth at the
same course earlier in the month with a comfortable front-running success.
The consistent galloper has now won eight of his 20 starts.
"He's improved in the last couple of weeks, as well as the easing in the ground being an assist," Frost said.
"When the rain came yesterday I was very happy.
"He's very surprising, I never thought he'd win eight races."
Ridden to perfection by in-form apprentice Melissa Julius, Redefine took advantage of the three-kilo claim after being allotted top-weight of 61kgs.
"He just stepped away a bit cleaner today, which was a huge benefit," Julius said.
"Rachel said not to drive him because he can over race a bit. But he was very happy throughout the run, he was terrific. When he turned into the straight I gave him a little click and I had a lot of horse under me.
"It is really good for him to bring his form over from New Zealand. I had one look at him and he looked a picture, so I'm very happy."
Bred and owned by Frost, Redefine won by two and three-quarter lengths.
Frost has trained since 2001, sending out 66 winners in New Zealand with four at black type level.
The win capped a good day at Sandown for the Kiwis, with the Emma-Lee and David Browne-trained jumper Monarch Chimes successful on the flat over 2400m earlier on the card. – NZ Racing Desk.
