IT has been a season hampered by injury setbacks, but Eglinton trainer-driver Nathan Hurst believes that Saloon Passage took a huge step in the right direction when winning at Parkes on Sunday.
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Not only was Saloon Passage racing up in class, but he scorched home to post the 28th win of his career.
Saloon Passage ($3.50) drew a tricky second row gate for the 1,660 metre race – his first in over a month - so Hurst sat midfield for the majority of the trip.
Sitting one out and three back half with a lap remaining, Hurst urged Saloon Passage around the outside of all his competitors. Despite the extra ground he was required to cover, the son of Elsu finished five lengths clear of his nearest rival.
“It was a really good win. It was probably an easier race than the last one in Menangle, but Saloon Passage recorded a really quick time [1:56.5]. It is definitely great to be back in the winners’ circle once again,” Hurst said.
“It was so great to drive one that motors on and it is a big step up for him that I have seen in recent races.”
It was Saloon Passage’s first win since April, with the gelding suffering from injuries during that period which led to him being spelled a few times.
“He has had a few injuries in the last couple of months which has prevented him from running at his best,” Hurst said.
“Our chiropractor has done lots of work with him and has done such a great job getting him fit, and now it is just trial and error trying to get him the best he can be for the races.”
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While Saloon Passage now has 105 race starts to his name – having made his debut in 2013 – Hurst feels his eight-year-old still has some run left in him.
“I’m not actually sure how much left we have in him. He has got very sound legs, which is a huge benefit,” Hurst said.
“If he can remain injury free for the majority of the upcoming years, we should have a couple more seasons left in him.”
Saloon Passage was one of three winners Hurst drove at the Parkes meeting. He steered Schouten Island to a narrow neck victory after guiding Mammals Destiny to her first career win.
