LOCAL trainer John Sprague started four horses at Port Macquarie on Monday only to see the one horse with no first up form, Friendsinlowplaces, return from a spell to win while the other three let the side down.
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However Friendsinlowplaces, ridden by Peter Graham, was well supported by his syndicate of owners, firming from $21 to start at $10.
He came from fifth early to gain a split in the straight then run down the Jenny Graham trained Remos (Melinda Graham) to grab the lead near the line and win.
"He had no first up form prior to this race but he is an honest horse with a heart of gold," Sprague said.
"I have been riding him in all his slow work and Pete jumped on him the other morning for a fast gallop and he went really well.
"It was certainly a good piece of work which gave us some confidence.
"His last run before his spell suggested he would be hard to beat first up.
"He was only beaten two lengths by Road To Summer and was coming back to a class two here."
That second to Road To Summer was in July at Taree and Road To Summer went on to win another three races including in Saturday class at Rosehill.
While Sprague was satisfied with Pradnya's third to Butane in the Sprite Hastings Hcp (1500m) he was disappointed with Cavell's second last in the Coke Zero Benchmark 55 (2000m).
Cavell started the favourite but was beaten nine and a half lengths.
"She is only a three year old and maybe she has had enough," Sprague said.
"She can go to the paddock.
"We will let the dust settle and see how Pradnya pulls up before deciding whether to head to Newcastle just yet with her."
A campaign in Newcastle then possibly on to Sydney is the long term plan this preparation for the mare.
