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Progressive galloper Eagle Bay eased any disappointment his connections may have been feeling aboutmissing a run at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day when he scored handsomely in the last race at Trentham on Saturday.

The Faltaat five-year-old was denied a start at Ellerslie when persistent heavy rain on the day led to the abandonment of the last race on the programme due to unsafe track conditions. The Aidan Schumacher trained gelding more than made amends on Saturday as he dealt to his rating 75 rivals in convincing fashion over 1600m.

Despite dominating most pre-race discussions Eagle Bay was a noted drifter on the tote as punters installed Waikato raiders King’s Cross and Legramor as the favoured combination for the contest. Those who kept the faith on Eagle Bay were well rewarded as rider Rosie Myers produced a copybook performance to have her mount within striking distance throughout before making a winning move shortly before the home turn.

With key rivals Legramor and King’s Cross pocketed against the rails, Myers whipped around the outside to have Eagle Bay challenging for the lead as the field straightened for the run to the finishing line. Asked for a serious effort at the 300m mark, Eagle Bay extended nicely to dash away from his nearest chasers and register a classy two-length victory.

“He’s only lightly raced and the further he goes the better he gets,” said Myers.

“He’s just a grouse horse who does exactly what you ask him to do.”

Myers admitted to plenty of pre-race confidence after the gelding’s previous performance had seen him flash home late to run third at Awapuni.

“I got a little too far back last time which you can’t do there these days,” she said.

“I was pretty happy when he jumped away today, I knew he would be very competitive from there.”

A half-brother to useful performers Olivia Mary and Zorrali, Eagle Bay has now won three of his 8 career starts for just over $50,000 in stakes earnings.