Change of scenery working wonders

A CHANGE of scenery appears to have worked wonders with veteran pacer Ideal Warrior.

Having his fourth start for trainer Malcolm Locke, Ideal Warrior registered his second win for his new connections at Club Menangle last night.

Successful at his second run for Locke at the world class venue a fortnight ago Ideal Warrior returned to cause a major upset with his latest performance.

The son of American Ideal also finished third between his two victories.

Despite his recent form Ideal Warrior paid $61 on the Tote to Locke’s surprise.

“I was quite surprised at what he paid,” Locke said. “I thought he’d be half that as I felt he’d run a placing.

“He was always going to get a good run from the draw and be two or three back on the pegs, which I felt gave him a hope.”

Driven by Jason Grimson, Ideal Warrior began well from barrier two to gain the perfect trail behind Jack Farthing, which led from gate four.

Angled into the clear at the top of the home straight, the gelding grabbed the front in the last stride to score by a half-neck from Jack Farthing, with Mighty Flying Deal three-and-a-half metres away third.

Owned by Nathan and Natalie Spratt, the nine-year-old covered the mile in a personal best 1:50.9.

“That was a top run from him,” Locke said. “I nominated just to see how he would go and he did very well.

“It’s going to get tougher now as he will have to race against the likes of Cash N Flow and King Of Swing, which he is not up to.

“So I will more than likely put him back in a $14,000 claimer next to try and increase his earning potential.”