Wellington trainer Michael Mulholland will turn his attention towards his hometown carnival after landing a double at Narromine Turf Club on Thursday.
Kath Bell-Pitomac was delighted when riding both winners, with $41 outsider Demonize scoring a surprise victory in the 2DU/Zoo FM Open Handicap (1100m) before Universal Thief scored his first win in NSW in the Narromine Newsagency Class 2 Handicap (1200m).
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The wet track worked wonders for Demonize, a horse Mulholland describes as one with "dicky feet", while Universal Thief delivered after showing promise in two starts for the trainers since a move from Victoria.
"His first run for me was good at Forbes," Mulholland told Sky Thoroughbred Central of Universal Thief's second-placed finish there.
"At Orange [last start] he just got held up and never had a chance to do anything.
"At Forbes he accelerated nicely and once he gets going, he keeps going."
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After Thursday's win, where Bell-Pitomac brought Universal Thief from midfield to win by a comfortable two-and-a-half lengths from Harabel ($19) and Witness Collector ($4.40 favourite), the gelding could be stretched out over more ground at the Wellington Boot carnival next weekend.
Mulholland and Bell-Pitomac had earlier savoured Demonize's first win since April last year but it did spoil what could have been Zarhron's last start.
The Andrew Molloy-trained veteran was leading in the straight but a veering Demonize made contact with he and Jetgirl on the way to victory.
Both Molloy and Jetgirl trainer Dean Mirfin had stated pre-race the event at Narromine may have been their respective horse's last.
If they do go on to have one last race, it will likely come in the Wellington Town Plate sprint next weekend.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
