FOUR of the nine races won by Victoria’s leading trainer Darren Weir at Moonee Valley on Saturday were by horses trained from his Warrnambool satellite stable.
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The achievement is more remarkable as his Warrnambool operation only saddled up runners in six of the races.
Weir's Warrnambool foreman Jarrod McLean said he was excited with the winning efforts of Gratwick, Zasorceress, Burning Front and Big Duke in their respective races.
“It's been a super result for the stable,” McLean said.
“It's a result of hard work put in by the staff. They deserve a lot of credit for the wins.
“We start at 3.30 each morning. They’re long days, but we love our work.
“It's rewarding for all the staff when you win races.”
McLean said the performance of Burning Front was special and Big Duke showed more wins are in store following his impressive victory.
“Burning Front has won 13 races and more than $700,000 in stakes,” he said.
“Burning Front has just been so consistent for his connections. He's a great horse to train.
“Big Duke has more improvement in him. ‘Weiry’ will probably send him over for the rich Tasmanian Summer Carnival for his next couple of runs.”
Ciaron Maher capped off a big day for the locals when Lady Esprit won a $80,000 race over 1000 metres.
Winning jockey Mark Zahra said Lady Esprit was jogging in the run behind the leaders.
“She’s got a great turn of foot,” Zahra said. “I was just hoping the rails run came. She got a late run and hit the line strongly.”
Lady Esprit is a 1000-metre specialist – all five of her wins have been over the sprint distance.