Well worth the extra $500!

OWNER Malcolm Wells is rapt he decided to spend an extra $500.

Looking to purchase a son of Andover Hall, Wells accepted the fact he was leaving without the colt after the youngster reached his planned budget.

Just before the auctioneer’s hammer was struck, however, Wells was talked into upping his kitty for one last ditch bid, which proved to be the winning offer.

Fast forward to tonight’s Tabcorp Park Melton meeting and the trotter in question is a Group One winner thanks to his Vicbred Super Series Final upset for trainer Michael Hughes.

Driven by Rodney Petroff, the well-named Is That A Bid began quickly to lead from barrier six as the previously unbeaten odds-on favourite, Cover Of Darkness, missed the start after galloping.

“I told Rocket to try and find the front and then give them something to chase just like the tactic Zac (Phillips) took in last year’s Redwood when he ended up finishing second,” Hughes said.

“That’s exactly what Rocket did….it was a perfect drive.”

Proving too slick along the home straight, Is That A Bid completed a two-metre win from Cracker Jet, with No Biggie a metre-and-a-half away third.

“I couldn’t be happier for the horse,” Hughes said. “He’s had quite a few setbacks and already been scratched from two Group Ones this season because of them.

“This preparation is of one of best he has ever worked up and looked.

“He put the writing on the wall at Maryborough when he got close to Cover Of Darkness in his heat and his work had been a lot sharper since.”

Set to enjoy a quiet start to the New Year, the three-year-old will then be worked through the grades.

“I will give him a light let-up,” Hughes said. “Not too long as he hasn’t had many starts this preparation given he’s had that many setbacks, but he deserves a few days off.”