Dual code trainer Aaron Bain created another individual piece history of history with a unique treble on Saturday, January 7.
Bain trained his first thoroughbred metropolitan double at Gawler in the afternoon winning with Wonderwomen and Metro Legend, then on Saturday night at Globe Derby Park, his only runner, Sheza Manipulator led throughout to score.
He is the first trainer to achieve such a feat.
In May last year, he trained Toyetic to win a metro race at Murray Bridge and Double O Heaven won on the same day at Globe Derby Park for his first dual code double, but Saturday exceeded that effort.
Backed from $3.60 into $2.30 favourite, Wonderwomen led throughout to win the Pure Wine Co Handicap (1200m) with apprentice jockey Ellis Wong in the saddle.
The four-year-old mare was eased down to win by 2-1/4 lengths from Shez Betty ($11) with Sassy Maneuver ($26) a half head away third.
Wonderwomen gave Bain his first Morphettville metropolitan winner at her previous start on December 26 and now will be given the chance to run in black type company.
The trainer said the $107,250 Listed Durbridge Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on January 28 would be her next goal.
“She has earned a chance in a black type race,” Bain said.
“Her winning time of 1:11.03 for the 1200 metres was 0.53 quicker than Picargo took in winning a tougher race later in the day.
“The Durbridge is a listed weight-for-age race, and she will be okay at the weights.
“It is the next step up and we can dip our toe in the water while she is racing well.
“If she can just place in that race, it would increase her value as a broodmare, and would give us encouragement to try and find a race for her during the Adelaide Cup carnival.
“If the Durbridge happens to look too strong, there is an option to go across to Victoria for a suitable race.”
Metro Legend defied a late betting drift to take out the Contract Engineering Handicap (1500m).
After opening at a well backed $2.90, Metro Legend had drifted out to start the $3.50 favourite at race time.
The five-year-old was ridden perfectly by Ellis Wong coming with a well-timed run to score by a half length from Tubby Two Tracks ($14) with Obi ($5), 1-1/2 lengths away third.
Bain said Metro Legend would now go for a well-earned break.
“He deserves a spell after a string of minor placings,” he said.
“Ellis had one instruction, to take cover early, and did it to perfection.
“He brought Metro Legend with a run at just the right time to win.”
Bain’s attention then switched to Globe Derby Park with the ex-New Zealand mare Sheza Manipulator.
The five-year-old mare had won both her starts since coming to Bain, but Saturday night’s Hygain Regain Pace (1800m) was a definite step up in class.
It didn’t stop the punters from jumping on to the opening quote of $1.95 and the mare eventually started the $1.60 favourite.
Driver Samantha Pascoe had Sheza Manipulator away well from gate three and was able to work to the lead.
Honeybun ($2.50), the second pick in the market, came across to ensure there was a strong tempo.
As a result, there were three sub-30 second quarters with an overall mile rate of a smart 1:57.1.
Sheza Manipulator responded to Pascoe’s urgings and scored nicely by 1.8 metres from Honeybun with Delightful Gnp ($13), 2.4 metres away third.
Bain said the mare, part-owned by champion Sydney apprentice jockey Tyler Schiller, would be nominated for another non-penalty race on Monday, January 16.
“I won’t make a decision whether she contests the mare’s final until after the next heat.”
The win continued an excellent start to 2023 for Bain in harness racing and was his fourth winner in a week following victories by Fletch Maguire and Mosaic Art at Port Pirie on Monday, January 2 and Take My Wallet at Globe Derby Park on January 3.