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The Steven Burridge trained-Verglatica has struggled to find his way back to the winner's circle since for close to 1 1/2 years, but patience and hard work finally paid off in the $60,000 Class 4 race over 1900m on Friday night.

The five-year-old gelding broke from barrier one and settled near the back of the nine-horse field, just as planned by apprentice jcokey A’Isisuhairi Kasim while noted frontrunner Over Easy (Firdhaus Rafi) raced up to lead from Starperfect (Matthew Kellady) and Black Friday (Mohd Zaki).

The leading pack set a genuine pace to the race, that was to play into Verglatica’s favour. The $70 shot bided his time on the inside before picking up speed from the 500m, as Starperfect ground to the lead upfront.

When Iking (Manoel Nunes) surged past Starperfect at the 200m, victory looked his for the taking, but Verglatica came with a smart finish on the outside to win by half-a-length from Iking. Starperfect had to settle for third another one-and-a-half lengths away.

The winning time on the Polytrack was 1min 58.61secs.

Burridge’s second runner in the field, Over Easy, weakened to finish figth four-and-a-half lengths away from his stablemate while $25 favourite King Savinsky (Alan Munro) could not quite go on with the job after coming from midfield, finishing another half-a-length away in sixth.

Burridge looked relieved as he led Verglatica in to his fourth win for the Equus Stable of Eric Koh. The son of Verglas has not won since he last saluted in a Kranji Stakes D race over 1700m on 15 June 2014.

“He hasn’t won in a long time. He was fourth in the Derby last year, but he was heavily penalised for that run (ratings up from 64 to 75 points),” said the Australian handler.

“It took a very long time for this horse to get back to form. Races weren’t made to suit, and he’s a funny horse to ride.

“The pace last time was too slow. He needs a fast pace as he is a one-pacer.

“I’m happy for him, Harry, and the manager Eric Koh. He will just get through the grade as he’s only an average horse.”

A’Isisuhairi, who was at the double having scored aboard the Alwin Tan-trained Casing Royal in a Class 4 Division 2 race earlier, was worried when he drew one, the same barrier he jumped from aboard Verglatica last Friday when they got crowded to eventually run seventh.

“I was a little worried about the barrier (no. 1), as he doesn’t like to be crowded on the inside and he can be off the bridle sometimes,” explained A’Isisuhairi.

“Looking at the race, the other horses will get forward and so he could enjoy a soft run at the back.

“I was crowded at the 800m and couldn’t get going when I wanted to, but when he saw clear room from around the 300m, I knew he could win the race.

“He has been a little disappointing all this while, but I believe he is better than this grade. I would like to thank my boss for getting the horse back to fitness, and it was a good result for the team as well.”

With four wins and 13 placings in 45 starts, Verglatica has amassed more than $280,000 in total earnings for the Equus Racing Stable.