Usually the domain of larger stables like Ciaron Maher and David Eustace or Chris Waller, Mornington trainer Pat Carey saddled multiple runners in a race at Sandown on Wednesday.
The LockettLED.au Handicap (1200m) saw Carey saddle Starlight Scope, The Sisters and Mvita with the more highly fancied of that trio landing the prize.
Ridden by Jye Mcneil, Starlight Scope ($8.50) led home the $2.70 favourite Mrs Chrissie by a half-length with The Sisters ($19) a further 1-¼ lengths away third.
Mvita ($101) finished at the tail of the field, 11-¾ lengths behind her stablemate.
The only thing that would have made the result sweeter was if The Sisters had been first across the line as the mare is owned by Carey’s wife Cheryl.
“She ran home great into third. Cheryl owns her so it’s something for the battlers,” Carey said.
“I think I’ve had three runners in a race before, but not often.”
While it would have been nice to celebrate the win with his wife, Carey was equally as pleased with the result for longtime client Steve Watkins who has a considerable investment in the stable.
“What a good win. She carried her weight well,” Carey said.
“There was a lot of claiming apprentices in the race. Jye positioned her well in the race from the draw. He kept her in touch with the leader the whole race and she let down well.
“I think on class alone she was the pick of them today. She’s a lovely mare.
“It’s great to win the race for Steve Watkins. He’s been a great supporter of the stable.”
Carey said he was looking forward to heading in a new direction with his stable in the coming season.
He plans on bringing Harris Walker into the role of co-trainer.
“He’ll come on board at some stage as a co-trainer, hopefully in the new season,” Carey said.
“I’m happy to promote him as the future and I’m sure he’ll get a good buzz out of this today.”