Double delight for Drew and Dad

Melbourne trainer Drew Georgeallis is still pinching herself after landing her first-ever winning double at Melton – with the only two horses she has in work!

“I did give the first one a big chance and when he won, we were absolutely rapt. Then when the other one also got the money, I think we were in shock!” the ever-enthusiastic Georgeallis said.

“They had both been working well. But we were very, very happy to go home with two victories and we did watch the race replays more than a few times.”

And for Georgeallis’ father George, who has been a long-time participant in the sport, the winning double provided him with his first as an owner.

Seven-year-old gelding Our Master George (Bettors Delight-Lizzie Maguire (Christian Cullen) started the ball rolling for the stable with a narrow win in the DNR Logistics Pace at the bolter’s odds of $17.80.

Then chestnut mare Manthadee (Shadow Play-Drewsam (Our Sir Vancelot) was strong in taking out the Beraldo Coffee Pace at $20.10. After sprinting hard from near the rear down the back straight, the pacer hit the lead on the home corner and dashed clear.

Outstanding Victorian driver Jodi Quinlan took the reins on both horses.

“George (Our Master George) has always gone better for the girls. He went well for Kima (Frenning) a few years ago and now he’s really in form with Jodi,” Georgeallis said.

“He can be a bit of a handful and doesn’t try all that hard at times. But he has been racing better since I backed off on his work and he’s now won two of his past four starts.

“Manthadee can be hot and cold. When she’s on, she’s really on, but when she’s off, she can be pretty disappointing. I’ve been changing her gear all the time and that’s been quite successful.

“I was screaming at her all the way up the home straight not to stop. We always watch near the finish line because the other horse in ‘George’ seems to have a habit of winning by small margins.”

Georgeallis said she was happy training a team of just two.

“I help out Joe Pace with his horses and then do mine. I wouldn’t have much time for others, but dad also owns a few young ones so we’ll just have to wait and see,” she laughed.

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink