Shelton triple treat as his Kosciuszko chances begin to climb

Local trainer took full advantage of racing on his home track to claim three wins, the feature being Kosciuszko chance Tara Jasmine.

Grafton trainer John Shelton made a welcome return to racing at the Grafton track as he bagged a treble and went to the top of premiership standings on Monday.

And one of his charges, Tara Jasmine, did its Kosciuszko’s chances no harm along the way with a win in the second race of the day, the Feed “N” Win Class 2 Handicap (1181m)

“Had a good day,” Shelton said following the win.

Tara Jasmine wins Race 2 at Clarence River Jockey Club. Photo: Bruce Thomas/Trackside Photography.

Shelton won the first Kosciuszko with NRRA Horse Of The Year Belflyer and might have another good chance with the four-year-old daughter of Cowboy Blue.

After her win in today’s the mare firmed from $50 into $26 for the race.

It was her third win at her eighth start and jockey Ben Looker agreed about her chances in the big Sydney race.

“It was my first sit on her,” he told Sky Thoroughbred Central. “She’s a very nice horse. When I gave her a squeeze, she quickened up.”

He said she had relaxed well early and once she switched on she cruised to a good win.

“She’d be a good chance in the Kosciuszko,” Ben Looker said.

Shelton’s treble included Cabsav, and Great Marlow over 1600m in the final race of the day.

Great Marlow completes the treble for John Shelton at Clarence River Jockey Club. Photo: Trackside Photography