Big win, but Swinger set to be saves for 2025 Spring Racing Carnival

Big Swinger narrowly avoided disaster to land victory in Saturday’s Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield, much to the relief of punters who sent him out as a dominant $1.80 favourite. After being held up for a run and racing keenly throughout, the three-year-old found daylight at the 200m and exploded late to defeat Flyer ($21) by a slim margin.

“Almost a trainwreck,” was the blunt post-race summary from jockey Ben Allen, who had to wait patiently before steering the talented gelding into the clear. The result delivered a win to favourite backers using popular betting apps, with No Fooling ($5.50) completing the trifecta a length behind the runner-up.

Stable rep Julian Hay expressed disbelief at the win. “We were going to run an unlucky fifth, it takes a good horse to do that,” he said. “He’s the best we’ve ever trained. It was a really thrilling win.”

While the Listed Creswick Stakes remains an option, Hay noted a break was more likely. “He’s not there yet physically. Charlotte’s thinking a freshen-up before a late spring target.”

Allen, who had earlier success aboard Salty Pearl, was impressed. “He’s still learning the horse. He’ll go through his grades very well if he keeps finishing like that.”