Woorim Makes it Two Glasshouse Handicaps

Woorim will get his chance to win a Group 1 in Melbourne this spring after landing successive victories in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap at Caloundra.
Owner Ross Cutts, who tasted G1 glory in Melbourne with the sprinter's sire Show A Heart,  had nothing but praise for jockey Damian Browne who reunited with the gelding to down Meet George by a 1-1/4 lengths.

Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready was a further three lengths away third.

"What a rider he is and what a horse he is," Cutts said.

"I'd love to win a Group One with him and he'll get his chance again in Melbourne this spring."

Cutts and holidaying trainer Rob Heathcote were hoping the elite level win would come in the G1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm last month.

However, Browne was on a "holiday"  for Queensland's premier sprint after being suspended for careless riding by stewards.

No jockey knows Woorim better than Browne who was substituted by top Sydney rider Corey Brown when the sprinter finished seventh to Sincero in the $1m Stradbroke Handicap last month.

With Heathcote on an overseas holiday, stable foreman Melissa Leitch saddled Woorim who took his record to eight wins from 30 starts.

Woorim wasn't expected to be suited on the slow track and looked in some trouble when he struggled to stay in touch in the middle stages.

However, Browne's coolness under pressure again came to the fore as Woorim produced his typical blistering finish.

Browne and Woorim combined to win the G3 BTC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben on May 21.

"I was worried when he got so far back during the race but he finishes so brilliantly," Cutts said.

"I'd love to win a Group One with him and he'll get his chance in the Melbourne now."

Woorim's victory set a new weight-carrying record of 58.5kg and he also became the first horse to win the race in successive years.

Ranchos Coup  was the only other dual winner of the race in 1995 and 1997.

Browne admitted after the race he was concerned when  Woorim got back to last and thought he struggled to stay in touch under his big weight of 58.5kgs.

"He was doing it tough to stay behind Adnocon but once he got to the top of the straight and I managed to balance him up and he really let down," Browne said.

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Photo: Graham Potter