A string of unlucky runs at Dubbo and Tamworth in recent months are all but a distant memory after Vivenzo made the most of the favourable number one barrier draw to claim his maiden success at Tyers Park on Sunday.
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Ridden by Christian Reith and trained by Rodney Northam, the $6 chance jumped well from the barriers in the Markey Saddlery Hugh Bowman Cup Showcase Maiden Plate (1400 metres), but it was outsider Fuchsia Rose ($31) who started the best and held the lead until the home straight.
It was in the home straight that Reith guided Vivenzo to the front but it wouldn't be easy, with Driving Force ($4) challenging on the inside.
In the end, Vivenzo won by just 0.38 metres to claim his first win from six starts.
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Northam, who had another three horses enter in the eight-race meeting, knew the barrier draw was crucial.
"His barrier draw was a big advantage, he was ridden beautifully and got the job done," the Scone trainer said.
"The barrier here in Bathurst, that's always a big advantage. The horse has been racing well.
"He probably didn't get a lot of luck last start, getting caught deep and I thought he was quite brave.
His barrier draw was a big advantage, he was ridden beautifully and got the job done.
- Rodney Northam
"I was a little worried he was looking for a mile but he was able to be that little bit closer and I knew he'd be fit enough to tough it out."
Vivenzo's last start was a third place at Dubbo on September 21, his first ever career placing, with previous starts coming at Nowra, Goulburn, Tamworth and another at Dubbo.
Ting Tong ($2.20 favourite) rounded out the placings, with Alysha Collett riding the three-year-old gelding to third ahead of local hopeful Bally Brook ($51).
The Wanda Ings' mare put in a strong performance, but had way too much work to do to challenge for the win.
