Veteran breaks drought from winners’ circle

A RETURN to favourable barrier conditions paved way for an overdue victory at Globe Derby last night.

Made ODM by stewards following his indiscretion at the same venue last month, Ona Rocky Beach stayed on his best behaviour during subsequent outings, which saw him placed back in the draw ahead of his latest start.

Taking advantage of receiving gate two, the Mario Borg-trained veteran broke a 10-month drought from the winners’ circle.

“He did well the old fella,” Borg said. “I thought he was going along nicely and was close to another win before he was put out of the draw.

“His work had been solid enough and he only needed the right conditions to get another win on the board.

“It wasn’t the strongest field, but that’s where he is at these days.”

Driven by Gaita Pullicino, Ona Rocky Beach was allowed to dawdle through the middle stages before staving off a late challenge from Major Kiwi to score by a head.

Final Over fought on gallantly after racing in the ‘death seat’ to be a neck away third.

Rating 2:02.2 over 1800 metres, the son of Pacific Rocket took his record to 25 wins and 37 placings from 137 starts for earnings of $111,965.

“Gaita rated him perfectly to get that win,” Borg said. “She got reprimanded for the slow quarters, but that’s exactly what gave him every chance to win!

“He’s pulled up fine this morning and I’ll just find another claimer for him to go around in next week.”