Apprentice lands first city win at Sandown

Trainer Robert Smerdon was spruiking an unusual double after the victory of Pearl Congenial at Sandown.

Apprentice Mitch Aitken landed his first city winner on the Smerdon-trained filly in the Yarramalong Racing Club Handicap on Saturday.

Aitken is the son of former jockey Ron who had his last race ride during the 2004/05 season and whose first winner was trained by Smerdon in the late 1980s.

“I gave this kid’s dad his first winner,” Smerdon said.

“I reckon it was at Warracknabeal during the eighties.

“Simon Morrish saddled it up for me and when he came home he said ‘you know that was that kid’s first winner’.”

Sent out a $9.50 chance, Pearl Congenial scored a short-half-head win over the $3.60 favourite Invincible Al with Casque ($26) a half-neck away third.

Aitken, who started his apprenticeship with Gerald Egan at Mansifield, is currently on loan to Henry Dwyer at Caulfield.

He has now ridden 55 winners and Saturday’s win came at his seventh ride in town.

“I broke my hand in a trackwork accident not long after I came down and that put me out for two months,” Aitken said.

“I’ve only been back for about three weeks.”

Smerdon hopes Pearl Congenial can graduate to black-type company after making it two wins on end on Saturday.

“She’s not very big but she’s got good ability,” Smerdon said.

“She’s now a city winner and is stakes-placed so hopefully now we can find a black type win to add to her value.”