From unwanted prospect to stable star

FINDING a new home via the ‘grapevine’, Scoob Operator has been transformed from unwanted prospect to stable star!

With his previous owner declaring Scoob Operator was “free to a good home”, news of the open offer filtered down from Queensland to South Australian trainer Mostyn Clinton, who decided to take a chance with the son of Big Jim.

Instantly repaying the 81-year-old horseman, Scoob Operator scored upon debut in Port Pirie a fortnight ago.

Backing-up at Globe Derby last night, the gelding made it two-from-two by upstaging his rivals with an eye-catching performance.

“He has certainly passed expectations,” Clinton said. “A friend of a friend of a friend rang about a month ago and said a bloke wants to get rid of his horse and whoever wants him can have it as long as they pay the freight to wherever he goes.

“So I figured I’d give him a try and see, so I paid about $1600 to have him sent over and after two starts he’s won almost $9000.

“He’s actually unbeaten from three outings since he got here if you include his trial!

“I don’t expect him to keep winning every time he goes out, but I think we’ll have some fun with him.”

Driven by David Smith, Scoob Operator was settled in the perfect one-one position from barrier five as Jakes Sportswriter worked to the lead from gate six.

Angled three-wide leaving the back straight, Scoob Operator cruised to a seven-and-a-half metre win from Secret Operation.

Wrangler was three metres away third in 1:57.8 over 2230 metres.

“That was a strong field last night, so I was very happy with the way he went,” Clinton said. “If he can stay competitive against that class he should win a few more.

“There is a race for him at Globe Derby in a fortnight, so I will head back again for that then he will have a couple more starts before I give a break.”