A horse called Malta

Jockey John Powell guided a horse called Malta to victory at Eagle Farm. Bart Sinclair writes in the Australian Courier Mail:

Trainer Robbie Heathcote made a wise move when he elected to aim for a post-winter peak from his old warrior Malta. Heathcote's careful planning reaped a win with Malta ($6.50) who appreciated the easier opposition in yesterday's Toohey's Extra Dry Handicap over 1500m at Eagle Farm. When he was setting goals for Malta this preparation Heathcote urged Sydney owners Wilf Mula and Arnold House to set their sights lower than the feature races over the big winter meetings. "I was able to hold him back a month and gradually he has raced himself into fitness and form," Heathcote said.

"But the big thing for him has been getting to a bit easier type of race. A few things went wrong for him in a couple of his races but I thought his last start third showed he was ready to break through again. "And it looked a race today where the leader Omnitrader might be put under more pressure. That's how it worked out and it suited Malta to sit off them and have the last shot." It was a good day for the in-form Heathcote and Malta's rider John Powell, who combined for an earlier victory with Notre Amour ($10) in the unchartered.com.au Handicap...