Godolphin punters came out slightly in front after the first two races at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, unless they'd played an all-up – in which case they lost.
Lonhro three-year-old colt Ghostly ($2.10 fav) carried the majority of punters' investments in the opening race, the Scwheppes 3YO C&G Maiden Plate (1200m) and was expertly handled by Sydney's leading rider this season Brenton Avdulla.
Settling back in the field, Avdulla had to make a decision approaching the turn when Blake Shinn whipped-up around him aboard third favourite Longreach ($5).
Avdulla held his line, waited for a split then drove Ghostly clear to score a commanding 1-1/4 lengths win. Peter and Paul Snowden's Longreach claimed second ahead of the Gerald Ryan-trained first starter Sahara Emaar ($3.30) which was a further three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.
"It's always nice to get the job when given the opportunity," Avdulla told Sky Racing.
"I didn't ride him like he was a short-priced favourite. I had to sort of teach him.
"Just get him to begin then get him to relax which he did. I just kept him out in the running line most of the way.
"He got there at the furlong and had a bit of a stargaze around but he's got a nice future."
Avdulla backed-up 35 minutes later on another heavily supported John O'Shea-trained Lonhro three-year-old.
Deipara was sent to the post a $2.35 favourite in the TAB Rewards 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate (1200m) but after leading them up was outgunned in the straight, finishing third beaten 1-1/4 lengths.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Serena's Pride ($2.60) proved too strong after racing wide on the speed, holding on gamely by a neck from John Thompson's debutante Tutu ($31).
"I felt it was a really game effort today," Shinn said. "She was three wide throughout and was exposed the whole way.
"The leader kicked strongly and I think it goes quite nicely but she really gritted her teeth and displayed great courage and a nice turn of foot and I think she's got better wins in store."
