Back in the good books thanks to upset win

AFTER acting like “a little %$#@&” there was only one way Platinum Stride was going to make his way back into the good books yesterday.

While putting the final touches on the son of Captaintreacherous during the afternoon in preparation for the night’s racing at Tabcorp Park Melton, Ryan Sanderson felt the brunt of Platinum Stride’s attitude.

Copping a kick to the face, Sanderson was cut just above the eye, but that didn’t stop the young reinsman from pressing ahead with the task at hand.

“I was painting his feet when he cow kicked and snicked me on the eyebrow,” Sanderson said. “It was cut deep enough and blood was coming out, but I couldn’t get to hospital on time as I had to drive him a few hours later.

“The Ambos at the track put butterfly strips on it and patched me up.”

On his best behaviour during his 1720-metre race, Platinum Stride caused an upset as a $31 shot.

After travelling two-back in the running line, the gelding completed a four-metre win from $151 outsider, Pocket Thedeal.

Firerockfireroll was a neck away third.

Trained by Sanderson’s father, Shane, Platinum Stride rated 1:53.8 to take his record to eight wins and 14 placings from 35 starts for owners Emilia and Mary Rosati.

“It was an up and down day with him,” Sanderson said. “It was win or nothing as far as getting back into the good books were concerned and he must’ve known it cause he went terrific.

“We’ll see how he pulls up by tomorrow and probably go around again next Saturday…there is nothing too dramatic picked out for him.”