Blaike McDougall makes amends on Slow Burn

Sydney apprentice Blaike McDougall has repaid the faith of trainer Les Bridge, guiding Slow Burn to her third career win at Rosehill.

After saluting on the consistent four-year-old mare, McDougall admitted he never expected to be riding for Bridge in the Blacktown Workers Handicap (1100m).

McDougall feared the worst once Pelorus Jack finished second last in 1400m at Randwick last Saturday.

“If you give a trainer the ride I gave him last week you probably wouldn’t get another ride,” McDougall said.

“I’m thankful Les is very forgiving.”

Slow Burn, the $2.60 favourite, notched the third win of her six-start career by pulling clear at the 100m to score by 2-1/4 lengths from Anatola ($14).

Bridge predicted Slow Burn would advance to stakes grade in her next preparation and was also optimistic about McDougall’s future.

“He’s been riding a bit of work for me and he’s a good kid. He’s got a level head and he did exactly what he had to do,” Bridge said.