2012 May Racing Carnival Day1 Race 10. Pictured is winning horse Hurdy Gurdy Man with jockey Ben Melham. 120501AS26 picture: AARON SAWALL
THE last race of the day marked a first for Ballarat trainer Darren Weir.
Favourite Hurdy Gurdy Man's triumph was the third winner for Weir on the opening day's action - the first time he has achieved a treble in one day at the May Racing Carnival.
"We've just had the right horses," Weir said of his dominance of the flat races on day one.
Hurdy Gurdy Man's ($2) exceptional turn of foot helped the gelding record a solid 2+-length victory in the Showcase BM78 Handicap (2350m).
"We always knew he would finish off strong," Weir said.
"He's a terrific little stayer and a nice horse."
Ben Melham partnered the four-year-old while south-west-trained horses filled out the placings in the final race.
Jarrod McLean's Borat ($14) was second, while third was Matthew Williams' Telesmon ($11).
Hurdy Gurdy Man is third emergency for tomorrow's listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m), with Weir waiting to see how the horse pulls up and if it gets an opportunity to start in the feature.
After three opening day winners, the in-form trainer said he was yet to contemplate his chances of taking out the trainer's bonus ? a Mercedes-Benz.
To snare the bonus, he only needs a winner in today's Wangoom Handicap (1200m) or tomorrow's Grand Annual Steeplechase (5550m) or Warrnambool Cup (2350m).
He has a runner in each of the three features.
kbutler@standard.fairfax.com.au