Goldfields: Marathon trip the key for Weave
By Ben Sporle, November 22, 2017 - 6:36 AM

A tough staying performance from Weave at the Valley last Friday night broke a city drought of almost nine years for Bendigo trainer Anne Yates.
The gelding’s victory in the 3000-metre benchmark 78 was Yates’s first in town since January 3, 2009, when the formerly Mike Moroney-trained miler Jennings won the New Year Country Plate at Caulfield.
Weave, a son of Hard Spun, has also come to Yates via a city stable, having trialled in the care of John O’Shea during his tenure as head trainer at Godolphin.
Before the Valley run, Weave hadn’t raced beyond 2500 metres and had placed just once from five runs beyond 2200 metres.
Apprentice Ben Allen, who was having his first ride on the lightly raced five-year-old, rode a patient race tucked behind the speed.
When his opening came turning for home Weave accelerated nicely to score by a half-length at odds of $6.50 on the back of his sixth placing at the circuit two weeks earlier.
“He just relaxes so well — it’s been some time waiting for the 3000 metres,” Yates told Racing.com
Weave has had eight runs this campaign for two wins and four minor placings. His connections decided to bypass this month’s Bendigo Cup (2400m) in the search for longer distances.
The horse will return to the Valley next Friday night for another 3000-metre race.
Weave, a $20,000 purchase from the Darley group in December 2015, has earned $112,815 for his current connections.
Banks comes aboard
Sutton Grange trainer Paul Banks succeeded in his bid for election to the Bendigo Jockey Club committee at Monday’s annual general meeting.
The businessman and self-decribed hobby trainer has extensive experience in property development and advertising.
Banks replaces Dane Sheppard, who served on the committee for six years, having been the youngest elected member in committee history.
Jack Lyons and Margot Falconer were re-elected, with Falconer staying on as chair. Rob Caldow remains vice-chair and Greg Chapman treasurer.
A statement from the club read: “The BJC welcomes Paul Banks on to the committee, believing his diverse business background in advertising, property management and horse training will be a great asset to the club.
“We would also like to thank departing member Dane Sheppard for his contribution to the club and wish him well in the future.”
King of the road
It’s been a case of have saddle, will travel for Toby Lake this season and this Friday that policy will take the Bendigo hoop to one of the most unique picnic venues of all — Bong Bong.
Lake will make the 7½-hour road trip to the NSW Southern Highlands to partner the Scott Spackman-trained Malleable, on whom he finished second in last month’s Young Cup.
“Scott has been a huge supporter this season and Bong Bong is one of the biggest race meets on the calendar so it’s awesome to get the opportunity,” Lake told Winning Post.
“Malleable gets a 6½-kilo drop since I last rode him and he’ll be on the speed, making his own luck and making the race a true test — he’ll give it a big shake”
The 20-year-old is riding at a 38-percent win strike-rate this season with five wins — three of them in NSW — and three placings to his name.
He will be back in Victoria on Saturday for the Woolamai meeting.

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