Marnoo-owned and -bred galloper Ma Jones returned to form at Tatura last Sunday with victory in the feature $35,000 Ladbrokes Cup (1600m).
The Darren Weir-trained Ma Jones ($3.30) was given a beautiful ride by Horsham-based jockey Yendall, box-seating just behind the speed.
The six-year-old daughter of Bianconi cruised into the race off a solid tempo, stalking the leaders.
Once in the straight, Ma Jones dashed away from $2.20 favourite Polar Vortex to score a dominant win by three lengths.
Ma Jones had arguably been unlucky in her previous few starts, and was on an eight-race losing streak.
However, she’s still been a good money-spinner for owner Garry Baker. Her record stands at 18 starts for five wins, four minor placings and earnings of $121,300.
Missile on target
The cup win completed a double for Dean Yendall, who’d won earlier on Bella Missile ($1.90 favourite) in an 1100-metre maiden for Caulfield trainer Luke Oliver.
In similar fashion to Ma Jones, Yendall camped the daughter of Northern Meteor behind the leaders, giving her every chance.
Bella Missile peeled out into clear galloping room in the straight, coming with a strong run.
The six-year-old mare proved too classy for her rivals, scoring by a length and a half at what was start number 12.
Yendall’s double saw him chalk up 100 winners for the season, and he looks a big chance for another Victorian jockeys title this year.