aaron_bain | Aaron Bain News 61127 Pacific Jewel

It was nearly a case of one extreme to another for former Western Australian mare Pacific Jewel, but all is well that ends well.

At her SA debut for trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor, at Morphettville Parks on January 26, Pacific Jewel was carried right off the track turning for home by another runner, then on Sunday, February 15 at Naracoorte, she looked to be in dire trouble obtaining a run boxed in on the fence.

Credit to jockey Taylor Johnstone, she extracted the mare into the open turning for home and the four-year-old lengthened to grab victory in the Trans Australian Livestock Maiden (1430m).

At Naracoorte, Pacific Jewel jumped nicely, and Johnstone settled her third on the fence in a field of 12 approaching the home turn.

As runners tried to improve from the back, the field suddenly became quite congested and the ABR mare looked to be in an awkward spot turning for home, but Johnstone found an opening and found clear galloping room.

Pacific Jewel ($4.40) took a short while to lengthen but finished off powerfully to win by a neck from Hot Strut ($7.50) with Slayrider ($7.50), 2-1/2 lengths away third.

Trainer Aaron Bain was delighted to land a first win for Western Australian owner Geoff Evans.

“Geoff is a new owner to our stable,” Bain said.

“He lives in WA and has eight horses with us at the moment, a lot of them young horses.

“Any time with a new owner you want to get the result on the board early.

“He’ll be chuffed over in WA, and it was good to see his colours go past the post first.”

Bain said his introduction to Evans had been through a horse taken from Cornerstone Stud as a favour.

“I then took two days away to meet him in WA to build that relationship.

“We went and saw his horses on his farm – he has a lot of young horses mainly by WA sires. He sent six of them over along with the two racehorses.

“Hopefully, we can build on today’s win.

“Geoff also owns Revelare which won at Flemington yesterday, making it five from five.

“Marty Young helps Geoff out with some racing advice, and he is a pleasure to train for.”

Bain said Pacific Jewel had no luck on debut.

“She had to pay to get back in at the 300 (metres),” Bain said.

“She got taken off the track, not her fault at all.

“We thought she would be right in that race but there was a runner inside her which pushed her to the outside fence – it was a complete write off.

“An 11/10 (ride) today by Taylor (Johnstone).”

Bain said ABR had taken a team of four to Naracoorte.

“It is a great country town and always nice to go to these tracks, especially on Cup day.”

Winning jockey Taylor Johnstone said she had been a bit concerned about getting a run turning for home.

“Aaron said the step up to 1430 metres would suit her today,” Johnstone said.

“He said to get a bit of cover and be handy.

“I thought I was in a bit of trouble coming to the turn as there was nowhere to go.

“I was patient, and the run came and she showed a nice turn of foot.

“She was really good.”