The most successful trainer in the history of the MIA Breeders Plate secured yet another Leeton feature on Friday night.
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Great Western trainer Peter Manning won his sixth edition of the two-year-old classic with Easter Jolt.
In a dramatic start to the $40,000 feature pre-race favourite Jovial Rock had to be scratched after an incident with the barrier.
Wayne Sullivan’s fell to the ground after a false start was declared but there was no such drama for take two.
In a close finish Easter Jolt ($12.60) held off Paul Kahlefeldt’s Redbank Blaze ($2.70) to win by a half head.
Manning was pleased to win another edition of the prestigious event but revealed the horse almost didn’t contest the final after drawing barrier 11.
“The owner said scratch him as he didn’t like the barrier draw but I bet you he is smiling now,” Manning said.
After coming third in the heat, finishing 12.4 metres behind Jovial Rock, Easter Jolt was much improved when it counted the most.
Manning thought the tactics employed by David Moran in the final suited the son of Village Jolt more.
“It was a different drive,” Manning said.
“In the heat he sprinted him up early and went to sit outside the leader this time he sat and waited.”
Manning last won the feature with Cullens Crown in 2006 and thought the added prizemoney this season was an extra incentive.
The first two gapped their rivals with The Loustar ($35.10) finishing third, 40.6 metres away with Plumpton Hope ($2.60 fav) last.