Unbeaten Terbium has earned himself a break after taking his first stakes race at Caulfield.
After sitting three-wide without cover against four opponents in Saturday's Zeditave Stakes, he showed he's an above average three-year-old with an impressive victory.
Ridden by John Allen, Terbium ($7.50) recorded a 1-3/4 length win from $1.40 favourite Zousain with Yulong January ($8.50) the same margin away third.
Trainer Phillip Stokes said the gelding would head to his farm at Garfield for a break.
“He's gone from a maiden at Strathalbyn to this upper level in the space of four runs,” Stokes said.
“The small field suited. Johnny kept him out of trouble and his sectionals all the way through have said he's a good horse.
“He's done an amazing job.”
Stokes said Terbium had continued to improve throughout his preparation and his work at Pakenham on Wednesday told the trainer he was ready to go.
Allen, who had plenty of success with disqualified trainer Darren Weir, made the trip from Ballarat to Pakenham to partner the gelding in the workout.
“Johnny gets up at 2 o'clock in the morning and drives down to Pakenham,” Stokes said.
“He's very dedicated.
“He's only had three rides for me for two wins. He's got a good strike-rate.”
Craig Williams who partnered favourite Zousain said the colt didn't begin well and was involved in an early scrimmage.
“But we were on the back of the winner that sat three-wide, no cover,” Williams said.
“My horse did wobble around running left-handed around a bend but I was still close enough to the winner on straightening and he ran away from me.”
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