Talented young reinsman Blake Pace registered a personal milestone on Friday night.
Making the short trip to Melton, Pace partnered Vivid Dream to a narrow victory in the final event on the card, with the win the 21-year-old’s 50th.
Focused on the joy of driving the son of Downbytheseaside to glory for his uncle Joe, Pace initially didn’t realise the significance of the win.
“I knew I was around 45-46 earlier in the week and I drove three winners which put me on 49 pretty quickly, but I didn’t really pay attention at the same time,” Pace said. “I was more focused on the drive and enjoying the win with my uncle without putting any math together.
“It was only on the way home I realised that’s half a century.
“I have driven winners for both my uncles, so I can’t really choose, but given his horse gave me my 50th, Joe has got to be my favourite uncle for now!”
Leading throughout from barrier two, Vivid Dream staved off a late charge from Cool Story to score by a neck, with Baystyle a metre-and-a-half away third.
Undefeated from two starts this campaign, the three-year-old rated 1:55.2 over 1720 metres.
“He switched off a few times, so I had to keep his mind on the job, but he did really well overall,” Pace said. “It got close at the finish, but he got there, which is the main thing.”
