Impressive win first-up for three years

PATIENTS were certainly rewarded in Wagga yesterday.

Having just his second start, Surprise Packet proved to be just that by winning in impressive fashion for trainer Phillip Thurston.

Amazingly, it was Surprise Packet’s first outing since October 2023!

In between the son of Guaranteed has had numerous preparations, including 10 trials.

Surprise Packet also had nine trials before his debut.

“He’s always had a lot of potential, but so many little issues and different things have happened,” Thurston said. “He was a very challenging horse early and has taken a long time to come to hand.

“He has never really broken down, he’s just never had the right mindset, so he’s been in and out of work and his owners have been very patient.

“It may be the best thing that has happened though as it’s given him time to mature.”

With Michael Day junior holding the reins, Surprise Packet began quickly to lead throughout from barrier five, scoring by 23-and-a-half metres from Jiveandwhisper.

Pier Pressure was two-and-a-half metres away third as the winner rated a slick 1:53.4 over 1740 metres.

“I expected him to go well as he’s been training nicely and had a strong trial last week,” Thurston said. “He is a horse that likes to run along and race under his own conditions, but shows a lot to look forward to.

“I’m not sure what is in store for him next as he is owned by Deb and Rod (Wenning), who is my brother-in-law and may take the horse on himself.

“He’s certainly got ability and is capable of winning some nice races.”