A wet and wild Newcastle was the scene for Strombus (NZ) to break his maiden with a red-hot (but not warm) Hugh Bowman aboard. Tackling a provincial maiden on a heavy 10 first up over 1200m, Strombus prevailed in a battle up the straight, displaying a strong will to win and indicating there a more wins in store for the Territories gelding.
Bowman was one of the stars of the day, booting home the first four winners, and his ride on Strombus gave the $250,000 Karaka sale purchase every possible chance by getting to the middle of the soaking track.
Strombus will now be allowed to work his way through the grades, with a step out in distance likely for his next assignment. Congratulations to his owners: Mystery Downs, Finemore Thoroughbreds, Mrs C M Cook, Mr C E Holt, Dr C G Lawler, Mr M Angelos, Mr J D Melick