WITH some 400 metres to go in the Daniel Cordina and Peter Green Pace on Wednesday night at the Bathurst Paceway, Athols Last Safari did not look like he would play a significant role in the finish.
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He sat in eighth spot while some five lengths ahead of him, the hot $1.30 favourite Casino Tommy was amongst those vying for the lead.
But driver Jason Grimson guided Athols Last Safari four and five wide as he made his charge and in the closing stages of the 1,730 metres race, he nosed ahead.
The five-year-old Safari x Baby Kate gelding got the nod by a half neck.
“He came home good,” Grimson, driving for Young trainer Josh Powderly, said.
“They went out quick and that suited my fella, and they didn’t get home quick either which helped.”
Athols Last Safari did not arrive in Bathurst with the best of form, his most recent victory having come at Goulburn on March 14.
That saw him start as a $14.20 chance, while the Bernie Hewitt trained and driven Mothers Angel ($6.70) was the only runner aside from Casino Tommy in single figures.
With a barrier seven draw, Grimson let others fight for the lead once the green light was given.
Blissfull Dixie showed enough toe from barrier one to temporarily hold the lead, but Devils Grin soon crossed.
The changes up front continued as into the straight Arcachon rolled up to take the lead over Devils Grin with Blissfull Dixie in third.
As the bell sounded Go Lassie Go made up ground and went on to park outside Arcachon, while Amanda Turnbull made the decision to get going with Casino Tommy.
The favourite came three wide to make it a line of three in front, but all that chopping and changing suited Grimson’s chance.
At one stage Athols Last Safari found himself between runners, but when Grimson was given room to move, he responded.
Following a 29.6 seconds third quarter, he guided Athols Last Safari forward on a four-wide charge. Into the bend he pushed another spot out as the challengers lined up.
On balancing Athols Last Safari had some three lengths to make up on the leaders, but he made short work of that.
As the winning post loomed it became a battle between Grimson’s chance and Premium Angus wide on the track. It was a battle Athols Last Safari won.
He prevailed by a half neck over Premium Angus ($26.90, Emma Turnbull) while a further 3.6m back in third was Mothers Angel.
Athols Last Safari rated 1:59.7 for the win.
Patient trainer and part-owner, Josh Powderly, together with co-owners Rhonda Sutherland, Greg Richens and Maureen Edgerton, were rewarded for their dedication to the sport when their flashy chestnut recorded his fourth win from his 35-start career.
Meanwhile, driver Trent Rue landed a winning double on Wednesday night with Wrangler Duke ($2.30 favourite) and Allwaysonourmind ($44.80).
