Mornington trainer Brett Scott is deriving the best from handy stayer Irish Flame (NZ) (Zed) who won the Lockdown Legends Handicap (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
The son of Zed transferred from Scott’s old boss John Wheeler after a Waverley trial in late June and the six-time winner in New Zealand has now had six starts for his new conditioner for a win and four placings.
In a sit and sprint affair, Irish Flame narrowly got the better of Inverloch, who lead in the sedate affair.
“It was always going to be a tactical little race. The sprint home probably wasn’t ideal for him but he got his head in front,” Scott said.
“The horse is in great form and he deserved that.”
Irish Flame was confidently ridden by Michael Walker, who was mindful of hitting the front too soon after being run down late at Caulfield by Saracen Knight when all but home two starts ago.
“At Caulfield a couple of runs ago he hit the front and he waited and stargazed and pulled up. Even with the addition of the visors and the earmuffs he still does it,” Walker said.
“He settles better now. I think he’s just quietly going under radar right now. I think he’s a horse that can win a nice race.
“All-in-all Scotty’s got him going really well. Scotty, his team and the horse really deserved it.”
The six-year-old son of Zed has now won A$319,162 in prizemoney for his connections.
