Rank outsider Ponza brought Warrnambool trainer Simon Ryan an overdue change of luck when he won the three-year-old maiden (1115m) at Werribee last Thursday.
Ponza ($51) got up in the last stride to win, paying $62 on the TAB.
“I reckon we were due,” Ryan said. “We ran second with Vilanova in the Warrnambool Cup and then thought he could win the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington but he did his near-side tendon.
“He’ll be out of action for six months. It’s a kick in the guts — it really hurts when you’ve only got a couple in work.”
Ponza’s Werribee win on a heavy 10 track surprised Ryan.
“I’ll be honest — I never thought he could win,” he said.
“I’ve got to give credit to (apprentice jockey) Melissa Julius — she did a great job.
“Ponza had shown me a little bit of ability but I thought he might win a maiden at Casterton in July or August, not at Werribee.
“It’s been a great result for his owners as he picked up $11,000 for winning the race and another $9000 in VOBIS bonuses.”
Ryan revealed his mother, Colleen, was one happy punter following the victory as she had $2 each way on the lightly raced three-year-old and picked up nearly $150.
Rata rested
Promising Warrnambool two-year-old Rata Tat Tat is in the spelling paddock following his recent failure in the $120,000 National Stakes at Morphettville.
Trainer Symon Wilde said Rata Tat Tat raced flat in the 1200-metre event following an impressive win at the Warrnambool May Carnival.
“We were full of hope going to Morphettville but he just failed to deliver,” Wilde said.
“He’s a much better horse than that. We’ll give him a few weeks off before getting him ready for the spring.”
From four starts Rata Tat Tat has earned nearly $50,000 in stakemoney for his connections.