Zeditex, ridden by Brad Rawiller, overcame stablemate Eudoxia to claim the maiden plate. RIGHT: Trainer Darren Weir. 120501DW11, 120501DW17 Pictures: DAMIAN WHITEMaiden Plate.
BALLARAT trainer Darren Weir extended his golden run at the carnival with a quinella in the maiden plate (1200m) yesterday.
Weir's unraced Zeditex held off fast-finishing stablemate Eudoxia by a short-head to open the trainer's account.
Weir was delighted with the performances of both his runners but not punters, who had got stuck into Eudoxia which started the $3.50-favourite.
"Eudoxia had the better form and race fitness," Weir said.
"If it had drawn a gate he would have won for sure but what can you do, that's racing." Weir described the favourite as "a bit stiff".
"He didn't get the cart into the race we hoped for." Weir said the winner Zeditex had trialled well over 800 metres last week.
"We were confident he would run well," Weir said.
Weir hoped his opening quinella on the flat would be the start of another big carnival, having narrowly missed the trainer's prize of a Mercedes-Benz for five winners at the carnival four years ago.