Veteran winds back the clock

VETERAN horseman Harry Martin wound back the clock at Club Menangle yesterday.

Once among the most widely-travelled trainers in the country, Martin chooses to “stick closer to home these days”, but that didn’t prevent him from making two journeys to the winners’ circle.

Heading to Australia’s premier track with two members of his stable, Martin was thrilled to return home with a pair of victories.

“I’m very happy with the way they went,” Martin said. “You’ve got to be pleased with that.

“It’s been a while since I had a double, so I’ll take it and any others that come along.”

With Sofia Arvidsson holding the reins, Double Act kicked-started proceedings with a narrow victory in 1:50.4 over a mile.

Settled midfield from barrier six, Double Act unleashed a strong sprint along the home straight before staving off a determined Vite Monet by a head.

Dom Toretto was six-and-a-half metres away third as the winner broke an eight-month drought.

“He really enjoyed coming off that speed and Sofia drove him a treat,” Martin said. “He hasn’t won for a while, but put the writing on the wall when he finished second at his last start a couple of weeks ago.”

Martin and Arvidsson then combined to emerge triumphant with Titian Raider, which covered the mile in 1:52.4 to register his 21st victory.

After working to the lead from barrier nine, Titian Raider was never seriously challenged on his way to a five-and-a-half metre win from San Sebastian, with Mcwizard a half-head away third.

“He was three-deep early in a quick quarter and finished strongly,” Martin said. “You can’t ask for much more from him.”