Juan Tuffamigo gave Ray Besanko Racing its first win for 2014 when he scored a comfortable victory at Yarra Valley.
The gelding was the yard’s third starter for the calendar year but a smart ride from youngster Josh Cartwright helped the six-year-old to a decisive win.
Juan Tuffamigo had been racing fairly well in the lead-up to his Yarra Valley win before the 1517-metre trip of the Australia Day @ Yarra Valley Rating 58 Handicap proved to his liking.
Cartwright gave Juan Tuffamigo a lovely run midfield for first half of the $15,000 contest before the apprentice let his mount stride forward when the speed quickened passing the 700 metres.
Juan Tuffamigo rolled into contention rounding the home turn before Cartwright eased his mount around the wayward leader at the 200 metres.
The son of Tough Speed descended on the front-runners at the 100 metres before he drew clear late to score by a length.
Juan Tuffamigo’s win was his ninth from 32 starts but his second in the short period he has been with the Ray Besanko stable.
Congratulations to Juan Tuffamigo’s owners – R J Keys, J C Cleeland, R N Russell, Mrs N M Russell, Miss H M Hutchins & B I Hyland – on their success.
© MiStable 2014