A step up to 2200 metres from a mile proved no obstacle for Old Faithful.
The four-year-old revelled over the long trip, breaking through in a Sunshine Coast Maiden (2200m) on Sunday, July 12.
Ridden by Jag Guthmann-Chester, Old Faithful ($7.50) stalked the leader and was too strong late, winning by a length at his eighth career start.
Trainer Stuart Kendrick said patience paid off for connections with the promising staying win.
He said Old Faithful had always shown ability but had taken time to put everything together.
“He’s been a work in progress,” Kendrick said.
“He’s had injury issues and has been a hard horse to ride. Things just haven’t gone smoothly for him early on.”
Kendrick believes a change in attitude this preparation has been the key to the gelding’s improvement.
“This preparation he’s changed his mindset and has been racing and working well,” he said.
“He’s been much more focused in everything he’s been doing and that’s reflected in his race performances.”
Kendrick said the step up to 2200 metres was a significant factor in Sunday’s success, with Old Faithful relishing the staying test.
“The step up in trip definitely helped,” he said.
“He looked comfortable at the distance and Jag gave him a great ride.”