3 minute read

Nisos sat back and waited whilst the pace was applied around the turn in the Ascend Trophies Handicap at Caulfield today before running on strongly down the outside to claim the win.

The Paul Rocke-trained runner came into the race with good form, having run second over the same trip (2000m) at Flemington last start and has now proved he is up to competing in this company.

Use The Lot led the field up for a majority of the race in what was a moderate tempo until Underestimation and It’s Fred took off before the turn with four stretched across the track at one stage.

It did not take long for the two leaders to fade half way up the straight with both Nisos who was ridden by Chris Symons and Ava’s Delight coming strongly over the final stages with Nisos proving too strong.

In what was a great bit of riding Jake Duffy who was aboard Ava’s Delight lost one of his irons but still managed the punch the horse out strongly for second with Use The Lot fighting back for third.

Nisos will return to Caulfield in two weeks time when he steps up to 2400m in what will be his last race as a three-year-old

“They often say jockey’s are the worst judges and I happened to ride him in his first race at Bairnsdale and I will be honest I said this horse will struggle to win a race,” said Chris Symons.

“But here we are today at Caulfield and it means a lot to me to ride a winner for Paul Rocke the peoples champ we went to school together and we are best mates.

“It was just an even tempo and I think what won me the race was getting to the outside and getting into a position where I could improve when I wanted to and he needs a bit of room.