Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)
Three-year-old Reliable Man gelding Hypnos got up to score on debut in the Michael Ormsby/Bernard Booth 3YO (1200m) at Waipukurau and it was a satisfying win for his connections.
The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained runner settled off the pace under jockey Jason Waddell before making up a stack of ground in the home straight, closing late to snatch victory from Satu Lagi by a long neck.
“We have always really liked the horse,” Wellwood said. “In his second trial he just did a lot of things wrong, he got right up on the bridle.
“He came here today and we would have been happy just seeing him do the right thing and he has certainly done that.
“Ron (Dixon, owner) has been a great supporter of the stable, he has had some good horses and hopefully this is the next one.
“I have just gotten off the phone with Roger and he said it has to be one of his most satisfying wins for a long time.”