After scintillating wins in 29.21 at Sandown and 29.72 performance at the Meadows, Christo Bale lined up in a hot Free For All. Lining up for his 22nd career start, it was his first above grade 4 level (excluding the group 1 Silver Chief, in which he ran last) and met two of the state's premier sprinters in Tiggerlong Tonk and Jax Bale.
Tiggerlong Tonk ($1.40) looked the dog to beat having drawn box two however he was unable to hold out Jax Bale to the first turn. As they came together, Christo Bale took the sit on the outside of the leaders before unleashing a powerful finishing burst to score in 29.29.
It was his third consecutive victory and the 10th of his blossoming career.
"His last three starts he's shown what he's capable of," said handler Lisa Delbridge.
"He had about six weeks off when the virus came through and we've just taken our time to build him up. He just needs a clear passage early because when he gets going he is really strong.
"I'd love to see what he can do over 600m."