A well-timed run in the home straight carried underrated galloper Hasstobeawinner to a long-awaited victory at Ellerslie on the Saturday in the JRA Trophy (1600m).

The six-year-old son of Vadamos has had an interrupted campaign over the last 12 months, with the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding having his second start in a new preparation since being off the scene for six months following a second-placed finish over 1500m at the venue back in November.

Rider Michael McNab had Hasstobeawinner travelling nicely towards the rear before following race favourite Lupo Solitario into contention with 600m to run. Lupo Soliario sprinted quickly at the 300m to assume control of the finish with Hasstobeawinner doggedly chasing him out wide along with Lachie and El Viento closer to the inside rail.

Just as Lupo Solitario looked to have the situation under control, he began to lay in badly as Hasstobeawinner quickly joined him at the 50m and dashed away to win by just on a length from the favourite, with El Viento narrowly shading Lachie for third.

With Wellwood in Brisbane putting the final touches on stable runner Sweynesday, who was contesting the Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben later in the day, it was James who was on hand at Ellerslie for the victory.

“I thought Michael summed it up nicely and rode him well.” James said.

“He was going to get caught wide so he eased him back and there was enough pace on to put him in the race at the right time.

“I didn’t come here thinking he could win as the hot favourite (Lupo Solitario) looked hard to beat, but it shows you that this horse at his best is not far away from them.

“He is a handy worker at home, an honest horse and he loves a mile, especially here (Ellerslie).

“I don’t know what we will do with him now as we might put him away until next season as there are probably no really good races for him left (this season), but we will keep our options open.”

Bred by Colin and Irene Thompson, Hasstobeawinner is out of the Keeper mare Keepereel, who was a winner of seven races, and as a broodmare, has also produced He’s Got Power, who won 10 races and placed at Group Three level.

Hasstobeawinner was purchased out of the draft of Rich Hill Stud at the 2021 Karaka Yearling Sales by bloodstock agent Robt Dawe for just $45,000 and is raced by the Hassall Family Trust, for whom he has now earned just shy of $291,000.