Nightowl Breaks Through for Maiden Success at Yarra Valley

Nightowl broke through for a well-deserved maiden victory at Yarra Valley on Cox Plate Day, producing a determined performance to claim the 1968m bet365 Bet Boost Maiden Plate.

Third-up this preparation, the five-year-old son of Belardo relished the step up in distance, with the Soft 5 conditions and the addition of a one-eyed blinker for the first time proving favourable.

Partnered by experienced jockey Brad Rawiller, Nightowl jumped from barrier four as favourite but settled towards the rear of midfield, with Rawiller electing to save ground along the rail and bide his time.

Three pairs back with 800m to travel, the gelding began to improve approaching the turn. With the field tightening and little room to manoeuvre, Rawiller eventually peeled away from the rail at the 400m, finding a run through as they straightened for home.

Nightowl responded well, working his way off the leaders' backs before hitting the front with 100m remaining. Digging deep when challenged, he knuckled down to the task and held on gamely to score by half a length in a time of 2:04.55.

The victory comes at his 13th career start, having commenced his racing career in New Zealand with six starts before joining the Noblet Racing stable.

It was a rewarding breakthrough for Nightowl and his connections, with the gelding showing he has matured in his racing and has what it takes over the longer journey.

Congratulations to all connections on a deserved maiden win!