Trusty Lad shows staying potential

James Orman has got Trusty Lad (5) home for a last-stride won at Doomben for trainer Matt Kropp.

Toowoomba trainer Matt Kropp’s trip across the Tasman in search of a young staying type horse has paid off with Trusty Lad at Doomben.

In a thrilling finish to a five-horse race on Saturday, Trusty Lad ($13) beat Red Stina ($2.50) by a nose with a short head to Tatcee ($4) in the The Mission Three-Year-Old Handicap (1630m).

Kropp went to the New Zealand sales last year and was taken by Trusty Lad who is a son of Group One winner Reliable Man out of Anabaa mare Miss Juventus.

“We got him at the second lot of the Karaka Sales and it looks like being a good buy. He is obviously still learning but he shows potential and we are looking forward to him getting out over more ground,” Kropp said.

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Jockey James Orman continued his good recent form with a well timed run to get Trusty Lad home in the last stride.

“I reckon he might be even a bit better with the ear muffs off. It was a strong effort today,” Orman said.

Fellow rider Matt McGillivray was shaking his head after the result went up.

“How did we get beaten. I had a lovely run and I though she would win for sure at the 200 metres,” he said.