The Listed Mick Dittman Plate (1110m) was set to be a clear standout on Doomben’s nine-race program, but after Rob Heathcote’s runners were scratched and Shaquero came out due to a track downgrade, it lost some of its shine.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure though, which Chris Anderson, Brad Stewart and Rubiqutious capitalised on, leading all of the way in the $130,000 race.
After opening $41 earlier in the week, the three-year-old son of Rubick came into as little as $9 with online bookmakers on the back of a nice trial win last Tuesday at Doomben.
2022 Mick Dittman Plate Replay
Despite shifting ground at the top of the straight and causing Larry Cassidy to fire in a protest, Stewards did not see enough in it to overturn the result.
“I did say to them (the owners) pre-race, ‘I cannot think of a time where I’ve bought a better $51 pop to the races in my life,” Chris Anderson said.
“His trial was outstanding. He actually beat Prince Of Boom in the trial and he still had a little bit underneath – I guess there was a little bit of money for him on the basis of how well he did trial.”
Having now won four of his nine races, Anderson will now have a few options with his Listed-winning three-year-old, with winning rider Brad Steward of the belief that he could get a mile in time.
“Once I found the rail in front, he travelled sweetly,” Stewart said.
“He’s a funny horse – he plays around – it was only when the horses challenged him in the straight he really put his mind on the job again.
“He’s a promising horse. I was surprised no one was tipping him because he trialled super the other day, it was there for everyone to see and no one seen it.
“I couldn’t see why he couldn’t run seven furlongs (1400m) or a mile even – that’s the thing with him, he’s so relaxed.”
Miss Hipstar was unlucky in second, while Joyous Legend and Stellar Magic closed off well late to run third and fourth respectively.
The race favourite, Ingratiating, was tardy away and was out of winning contention at the start, while Alpine Edge didn’t make an impression from the back.
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