HANDY mare Eastbro Chrissy picked an ideal time to open her winning account for the season.
Successful during her last four starts of 2024, Eastbro Chrissy had been found wanting from eight outings this term.
That changed in Mount Gambier last night as the Rebecca East-trained pacer captured the Gold Cup.
"It was a great win," East said. "I was pretty confident before the race as she has been going well, it was just whether she could get the distance.
"In the end she got the trip really well and came away with the win."
Driven by Jackie Barker, Eastbro Chrissy was given time to settle from her second row draw before being taken three-wide into the 'death seat' during the middle stages as Jensville set the pace.
Bullocking her way to the lead at the top of the home straight, Eastbro Chrissy staved off a late challenge from Michaywey to score by a half-head.
Jensville battled on to be a metre away third in 2:05.7 over 2590 metres.
"She got a little keen in the middle stages, but it wasn't a worry in the end," East said. "Jackie put in a 10 out of 10 drive and made all the right moves.
"She's gone straight to a paddock now and will have about six weeks off.
"She has done a really good job this preparation and I think she can go further, so a break will do her good."
