Sign of the times at Parks

HONEST sprinter Counter Sign continued his excellent record at Morphettville Parks with a tough victory on Saturday.

HONEST sprinter Counter Sign continued his excellent record at Morphettville Parks with a tough victory on Saturday.

Jason Holder took the Gonski three-year-old straight to the front from barrier five to lead all the way and hold off a late challenge from Avionics.

Counter Sign, the $2.60 favourite, shifted out slightly in the run to the line and connections of the second-placed mare fired in an optimistic protest, but it was quickly dismissed.

The gelding has now won three of his seven starts at the track, while placing on three occasions.

It's been a big campaign for Counter Sign, who hasn't finished further back than fourth in eight runs this time in.

"He's no superstar but people don't realise how good he is," co-trainer Leon Macdonald said. "He's never missed a cheque in his life.

"I thought he was in a bit of trouble down the straight, but he's tough."

Holder completed a running double, landing $26 hope Gold Frenzy for Tim Snelling in the next event.

Senior hoop Dom Tourneur also finished with two winners, steering home Dean Saxon's Fastizio and Sandhill Prince, from the Sam Turner yard, earlier on the card.

STEVEN Pateman's outstanding season in the saddle continued when he combined with former multiple Group 1-winning rider Patrick Payne to win yesterday's Dominant Hurdle (3200m) at Morphettville.

Australia's leading cross-country rider and Payne combined to win the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool earlier in the month and yesterday Lord Of The Song scored a comfortable win, enhancing his reputation as a jumper. It was his second win from six starts over the hurdles and was sent out the $1.20 favourite.

He had a strong formline in Victoria, finishing runner-up last time out behind the talented Tuscan Fire, who was an impressive winner in Melbourne on the flat during the week.

Pateman has a stranglehold on the JJ Houlahan Trophy for Australia's leading jumps rider, having already claimed three Victorian features this year.