Perfect tonic

PROMISING youngster Splash Of Paynt provided the ideal tonic for one of his owners last night.

Racing in solid form with two wins from his previous five starts, Splash Of Paynt added to his tally with an eye-catching victory at Globe Derby.

As such, the son of Poster Boy gave Diane Trotta a welcome reason to smile.

"Diane has been pretty crook and this win is a huge lift for her spirits," trainer Ray Holberton said. "A win is welcomed at any time, but when you're feeling crook, it certainly gives you a boost.

"He's won three of his last six now, so he's doing his part in keeping everyone involved in him smiling."

With Gaita Pullicino in the cart, Splash Of Paynt led throughout from barrier three to score by a neck from Clarenden Tribute, which was gallant after racing in the 'death seat'.

Clarenden Sakura was 12-and-a-half metres away third in 1:591. over 1800 metres.

"He did well," Holberton said. "He's only a pony-sized three-year-old racing against older horses and holding his own.

"They don't run many three-year-old races here, so it does make it harder for the young ones.

"The Derby and Southern Cross, where he will compete against his own crop, are coming up in a few months, so we will be looking at those.

"Between now and then, I'll just find what I can and keep him ticking along."