HOME-town trainer Brett Cavanough admitted it was a “good way to start the day”.
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The local mentor led in the first three winners at the Scone Race Club’s big eight-event card on Thursday.
La Vida Loca, with Grant Buckley in the saddle, saluted the judges in the Kia Ora 3YO Maiden Plate (900m) and the pair joined forces for Tears of Gold’s victory in the Yarraman Park Maiden Plate (1300m).
In between, Cavanough teamed up with jockey Aaron Bullock to take out the Buy A Turangga Yearling Maiden Handicap (1100m) on $2.7 favourite Bray.
“You’ve got to have days like that,” he said.
“However, I can’t remember when I last achieved it – wins in the opening three races.”
La Vida Loca was in the picture from the start and held off a fast-finishing La Pont (Bullock) and Swizeler (Greg Ryan).
“Grant got the job done,” Cavanough said.
“And, it was her first victory from three starts.
“La Vida Loca is a Magic Millions filly, so we’ll see what races are available.”
The trainer was thoroughly impressed by Bray’s effort.
The four-year-old bay gelding stormed home to claim the honours from Dia Vernon (Chris O’Brien) and Apollo Eagle (Rachel King) – for a breakthrough success.
“He showed a bit of ability, especially first run back from a spell,” Cavanough said.
“We’ll take it one step at a time with him.”
Tears of Gold, the $3.20 favourite, also produced the goods, powering home from Big Call (Robert Thompson) by more than four lengths, with The Intern (Winona Costin) third.
“She’s above average,” Cavanough said of the six-year-old mare.
“It was a nice win.
“She had a tough run, so she won’t race again for a few weeks.”
Meanwhile, Courtney Van Der Werf won her second Rising Star stage this season after taking out heat eight, the Emirates Park Benchmark 65 – Heat of the Rising Star Handicap (1600m), on Thursday.
A patient ride with Peggy's Cove saw the hoop secure victory after coming from midfield to score in the last strides.
Finishing second was Jean Van Overmeiere, who has now regained the Rising Star lead with 17 points.
Van Der Werf sits in equal second position on the ladder, alongside Mikayla Weir and Olivia Pickering - all on 15 points.
Heat nine of the series will be run at Canterbury Park on January 10.
The Scone Race Club next meets on Friday, December 15.
