Apprentice jockey Jackie Beriman capped a memorable day at Sportingbet Park Sandown by out-riding her 3kg claim with a 20th metropolitan victory aboard Lonhruge in the fifth heat of the Rivette Series for three-year-old fillies, the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1600m).
Beriman, who earlier partnered the Robert Smerdon-trained Arch Fire to win the Slickpix Handicap (2400m), said trainer Robbie Laing’s instructions were to try and imitate leading jockey Glen Boss who rode Lonhruge to victory two starts ago at Sandown.
“From the barrier it was always going to be a little bit difficult but Robbie’s (Laing) instructions were to ride her like Bossy (Glen Boss),” Beriman said.
“She just travelled beautifully outside the leader and she was too strong at the finish.
“It’s a long straight and Robbie said she’s only got a very short sprint but it’s a strong one and I was as patient as I could be but when it was time to go she showed her ability.”
After beginning brilliantly, Beriman settled Lonhruge ($9-$5.50F) on the outside of the leader Montoya Heights ($7), patiently waiting until well into the home straight before asking the filly for her supreme effort.
Despite a strong challenge from High Aims ($6.50) who had raced through on her inside, Lonhruge went on to score by just under a length from High Aims, with Balytska ($16) a further 2.5 lengths away in third position.
While he will consider running the daughter of Lonhro in the $100,000 Rivette Series Final (1600m) at Flemington on July 6, Laing said he will probably keep Lonhruge to races at Sandown where she has now won three times in five starts.
“She’s a chance to run in the Rivette but I’d prefer to bring her back here to a race over the mile against the older horses and get in on the minimum weight,” Laing said.
“She loves the track; heavy, Sandown, 1600 metres and up outside the leader, that’s the key to her.
“When Bossy won on here at Sandown two starts ago he gave her a huge wrap and said she’s a pretty high class galloper.
“She’s still got a way to go with maturity but she’s the type of horse that will continue to race on at four and five years of age and will keep getting better.”
Beriman’s double capped a dominate day by apprentices jockeys at Sandown with six of the eight races going to apprentice riders.
Because acceptances for Moonee Valley on Saturday were taken before today’s meeting, Beriman will still be able to use her 3kg claim for rides at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Click here to view the full list of results for the Hyland Race Colours Handicap or the rest of today’s Sandown program