Halse credits Robert Britton after Galaxy win by First Picked
Chris Halse has paid credit to brother-in-law and master trainer Robert Britton after a gutsy upset three-quarter length victory by First Picked in the Galaxy at Cannington.
Kennelmate Couch Surfer – who finished third – was the $2.10 favourite, and First Picked went in as a $25.90 outsider from box seven in the Group 1 staying race worth $178,600 over 715m.
But the triumphant two-year-old bitch – also owned by Britton – surprised many punters with her lightning-fast start from one of the far lanes.
Her 1 ½-length lead by the first post was all class, and from there she showed admirable courage to hold on and beat runner-up Speed Freak.
Combining with his partner and Britton's sister Linda, First Picked has only excelled under her expert new guidance since starting her first race in Perth – the Galaxy Prelude – on March 4.
“She's thrived since she came over,” Halse told Sky Racing.
“They (Robert and son Tim Britton) said get them over here early and settle them in.
“Robert is probably the master of putting them in the right place at the right time.”
Among Linda Britton's decorated career have been Galaxy winners Paradise Street (1998) and Jennev (2002), and Halse was delighted to have trained a winner under his name.
“I'm shocked, but it's just a good feeling,” Halse said.
“Linda's had plenty of dogs who won the Galaxy over the years, so for me this is a great feeling.
“No one beats dogs like Paradise Street and Jennev, but this is a good feeling.”
Halse said Couch Surfer's owner Justin Warwick would not be too concerned about the star two-year-old's third place in the Galaxy.
The former horse trainer also part-owns Sheeza Belter for the Peter and Paul Snowden stable, the three-year-old filly finishing 12th in the All Star Mile at The Valley in Melbourne on Saturday.
“After the All Star Mile he was probably hoping for a bit more luck,” Halse said.
“But it's what you are on the day and how you turn up on the day.
“He's had a big weekend anyway, and he'd be happy for him running third.”
Halse believes Couch Surfer – with 11 wins from just 20 starts, and nine consecutive victories before Saturday night – is still set for a big future.
“The other dog is real young,” he said.
“He's probably not going as well as he was, but it's hard going for 10 in a row in a Galaxy.
“So if you're going to get beaten, you might as well get beaten by your other dog in the race.”