Battling Randwick win for In Times Of War

For a couple of moments it seemed as if In Times Of War would have to settle for another second place but the filly has managed to hold off Love’s A Fantasy for an overdue win at Randwick.

Punters believed Saturday could be her day and she was sent out the $2.50 favourite in the Sporting Chance Golfers (1200m).

The Chris Waller-trained and Gerry Harvey-owned In Times Of War went into the race with one win from her six starts and five runner-up finishes.

Under hard riding from Tim Clark, she held off Love’s A Fantasy ($26) by a head with Feelin The Love ($19) another half length third.

“We have always held her in high regard and she has bumped into some nice horses along the way,” Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth said.

“She got the ideal run today and toughed it out to get the win.”

Duckworth said she was likely to head for a spell with the spring in mind after her confidence-boosting win.

Stablemate So Willie made up for the only blot on his winter preparation with his last-to-first win in the Outreach Program (1600m).

Ridden by Jason Collett, So Willie ($5) claimed his third win from four starts this campaign when he beat the favourite Supply And Demand ($3.20) by three-quarters of a length.

“His style is to go back and find as much trouble as he can,” Duckworth said.

“He is consistent but he seems to love traffic and running through horses.

“He is ticking over through the grades and the wet tracks are a big help to him.

“He is a lovely horse to have in the stable.”