Trainer quick to share the credit

ALTHOUGH he is listed as the trainer Robbie Caton was quick to share the credit after Fly The Banner’s success earlier this week.

Having his fifth start along the comeback trail, Fly The Banner captured a Four and Five-Year-Old Classic heat at Globe Derby.

Naturally thrilled to have the son of Warrawee Needy back to his best, Caton explained his fiance Elyce Shore had played a big role in Fly The Banner’s preparation.

“I’m rapt to have him back winning,” Caton said. “He was out for nine months and had a long build-up before he made it back to the track.

“It’s taken a few starts, and a freshen-up in between, for him to really tighten up, but he is feeling terrific now.

“Elyce has been invaluable during the entire process. In fact, I was working on Monday, so Elyce took him to the track as well.”

With Samantha Hill in the cart, Fly The Banner was settled two-back in the running line from barrier seven as Tuffasnails led from the pole.

Coming with a well-timed sprint, the gelding reached the front in the last stride to score by a neck from Dee Jays Miss.

In a ‘blanket’ finish, Rockin Gemma was a neck away third in 1:56.3 over 1800 metres.

“I was pretty confident with him,” Caton said. “I gave him a short freshen-up after his first three runs back and his work had really picked up since his last run the week before.

“This will top him off nicely for next week’s Final.”