“He keeps taking the next step unexpectedly

“He is still lacking maturity but seems to be overcoming everything with his determination,” Ryan Bell said.

“It’s a full credit to the horse backing up from a hard run over 2500 five days before and coming out yesterday and doing his best at both ends of the race, it has shown me he’s a genuine derby chance if all stays sound and healthy.

“Helped by a 10/10 drive from Kyle (Symington).”

Starting from barrier five over the 2100m trip, Symington made a strong attempt for the front soon after release point, but with three vying for the same position, he was able to slip in behind the leader in a strategic display of driving.

With a lap to go, he was able to ease off the pegs after a move by Aiden De Campo saw his runner Rock On Top get to the front, but with 300m to go, Symington was off three-wide, and the battle was won, with Machs Bettor pulling away to win by 7.6m in 1:57:6.

Symington made his debut to driving during the 2019/2020 season when he was working for top stable of Justin Prentice, with Wednesdays win his first success in a Group 3, as well as being his first feature victory. The 20-year-old has now had 767 starts for 82 wins and 178 places, with what looks to be a promising career ahead of him.

“I came into the industry not really knowing what to expect and it was a slow start,” Symington said.

“I didn’t really have any idea of realistic goals to set for myself and was unsure of how I would progress.

“My success thus far wouldn’t have been possible without Ryan (Bell) and Tiff’s (Sharpe) support and owners like Kevin Jeavons and Albert Walmsley who have entrusted me with their top-quality horses.

“I am very grateful for this and excited to see what the future brings.”

Aiden De Campo had an early race-to-race double as a trainer and driver, with Purest Copper (Huntsville) claiming the opener, the 2YO fillies maiden for owners and breeder Mike Howie.

De Campo’s success continued into race two with Sport Sport Sport bringing up her first win since May after leading all the way from barrier two.

Brad Lynn and Madeliene Young claimed the win in race three with Rip Jackson (Follow The Stars) returning after a two-month let up, to come from behind over the 2100m trip, with Lynns other runner Rodger James taking second placing, giving the stable the race quinella.

Heavenly Wage recorded his first in the state, with the $2.15 favourite leading all the way for Bob Mellsop and Dylan Egerton-Green over the 2100m in 2:01:4.

Lady Jadore also resumed after two months away from the track, with the four-year-old taking a narrow victory in race five for Annie Belton and Gary Hall Jnr in 1:58:5 over the 2100m journey.

Under The Alta was recently purchased by new connections and made it a winning debut for trainer/driver Cody Wallrodt after working his way to the lead in the early stages in race seven on the card. The four-year-old started at $10 odds and was able to stave off the race favourite to win by a head over the 2100m, in a winning mile rate of 1:59:6.

For complete race results and replays, click here.

by Ashleigh Paikos, for RWWA