As the mercury tipped over 36ºC at the empty track on Saturday, a promising four-year-old gelding impressed in its ninth start to claim the Bet365 Tatura Cup (1450 m).
The David Brideoake-trained Midships was first past the post and saluted at $3.20 in the $45,000 time-honoured cup.
Midships, steered by young hoop Beau Merterns, sat on the pace behind the leader and enjoyed a comfortable run to secure its third victory.
Pre-race favourite Reserve Street failed to fire a shot and finished midfield, while Monsieur Macron and Seymour-trained Keymast er rounded out the feature event's place finishes.
“It was a great day of racing,” Tatura track manager Daniel Foster said.
“It was a weird experience not having a crowd there. You sort of don't realise how much spectators play a role in race days especially a cup day.
“Hopefully we can welcome them back soon.”
The 29-year-old, who arrived as track manager in April, said he was desperate to give the track a solid drink after discovering the weather forecast.
“I noticed the hot weather forecast two weeks out and made sure to get the sprinklers on the track in the lead-up,” he said.
“We ended up putting 100 mm of irrigation on the track to get the moisture at a good level. We started racing on a soft five and by about race five it was upgraded to a good four.”
Although the Tatura Cup signals the end of the track's race meetings for the summer period, the challenge of preparing a luscious green surface never stops for Foster.
“Our next meeting isn't until October next year, so we have a long wait,” Foster said.
“We do host plenty of trials and jump outs and we might pick up the occasional transfer.
“My job is setting up the track and making sure it's in perfect condition over the summer months. I'll be keeping busy don't worry about that.”
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