El Fernando
Trish Dunell Photography
Ellerslie winner El Fernando covered more ground than any other runner in the opening event, but trainer Mark Brooks wasn’t concerned.
His chestnut five-year-old was posted three wide before working to second spot down the back and then fought gallantly under rider Trudy Thornton to beat the topweight Hushed in Tuesday’s Chevalier Produce 2200m.
“It was a good run and he likes wide, open spaces,” Brooks said. “If he’s caught on the inside he doesn’t try too hard. He’s definitely better out, not every horse is suited like that but he is so I was happy.”
El Fernando has no won three times on the flat and he was twice placed over hurdlers during the winter.