His run of success began in the opener, where Koyama started a narrow second favourite behind Proserve over 2200m. In the hands of Yogesh Atchamah, the son of Almanzor settled into a good rhythm in the trail of Vino Valentino, who looked the one to beat.
Atchamah had started his run early on Koyama and swiftly caught the leader, who could not match him as he powered clear to score by two lengths to a late-closing Proserve.
Stewart was delighted to get a third win for the season with Koyama, who had not been the easiest to manage since his arrival in the stable in February last year.
"He’d had a couple of rough runs where he’d been interfered with, but he got a nice clear run and he came through," Stewart said.
"He can be a bit ignorant, this horse, and Yogesh gets along with him well."
The 4-year-old had been a $1001 purchase through Gavelhouse after beginning his career in the North Island, and Stewart’s other victor, Satin Doll, was sourced for $1432 on the online platform.
A mare by Dissident, Satin Doll had shown promise with placings in the north and was on debut for the Stewart barn at Oamaru.
Starting at a quote of $20, Satin Doll far exceeded market expectations when she burst through the middle of the pack to salute ahead of her stablemate, Tranquil Eyes.
"She’s been with us for three months and . . . we’ve just been cautious of putting her out on a really testing track and flatten her first-up," Stewart said.
"She’s a very compact little horse and we are still learning about her, so with Gosen’s (Jogoo, jockey) experience, he could encounter any problems and work it out in the race. I think he got a bit of a surprise when he asked her to go, and she reacted so well.
"She’d been working well and showed potential, so it was great to see her do that."
Jogoo, who is also in the ownership of Koyama, piloted Queen Of Kings and Lise Paree into second placings.
Based just up State Highway 1 at Washdyke, Stewart was able to appreciate the condition of the Oamaru track, despite constant rain through the winter period.
"Oamaru have got a great committee and they’ve done plenty of work with the track. They’ve put a big drain in along the bend out of the straight, and over by the hill, which I think has made a big difference." — LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
By Jess de Lautour
