McPhee's Patience Pays Off With Casino Success

YORKLEA trainer Craig McPhee certainly is a patient man and when In Good Hands led throughout to win a maiden (300m) at Casino on Tuesday, the victory proved it.

In Good Hands (Pindari Express-Tribal Magic) was having her first race start for 15 months.

It was only her second race start, the bitch having injured a hip and retired by breeder and original owner Fred Swain after finishing sixth in a Casino Maiden way back on February 13 in 2024.

She pinged to the lead and then held off late challenges from Robell Polly and Occitanie to win by a half head.

"I got her given to me by Fred after that first start when she hurt the hip," McPhee said.

"She was to be a broodbitch because she is from Fred's fantastic damline.

"The thought was that she would never get back to the track."

But, In Good Hands had other ideas about a breeding program.

"After about nine months, the hip was no worries for her and she was running around the yard here," McPhee added.

"I decided to put her back into work."

A stewards' trial was pleasing and McPhee tossed in a nomination but In Good Hands was made second reserve for Tuesday's Maiden.

"I thought she could win even though she had only two trials," he added.

"But, she'd done a lot of straight work.

"She was getting pretty tired at the line, but she just held on."

Now any thoughts of a breeding program are shelved.

"I think she can be pretty good if she continues to improve and stay sound," the trainer said.

"I had not given any thought to bringing her back to racing until a few months ago."

In Good Hands is a litter sister to the classy Teresita the Grafton 450m track record holder and G3 Casino Cup finalist.