Andrew O’Toole

Courtesy of the NT News

MR Cashman, aided by a lovely ride by champion jockey Jarrod Todd, got on the board at the fourth time of asking in the Top End when he scored a strong win in the Ladbrokes Summer Sprint Series Handicap.

The 0-70 Handicap (1200m) on Saturday attracted an excellent field for an offseason race day – it could easily have been a carnival line-up – and the Gary Clarke-trained four-year-old proved too strong for his eight rivals.

Vunivalu, as expected, led from the inside gate but had company through the middle stages from Our Luca, with stablemates Mr Cashman and Obligatory in stalking positions behind the pair.

Rounding the home turn, Todd angled his mount around Vunivalu’s heels and made his bid for victory.

Mr Cashman sprinted strongly over the last 200m and was too good for the fast-finishing Embley, winning by 1.5 lengths, with Testino third.

Pembroke Castle was an eye-catcher on fourth spot.

Mr Cashman had done little wrong in his three starts in Darwin before Saturday, finishing third twice and second to his smart stablemate Bel’s banner on New Year’s day.

He has now won three of his past 14 starts and almost $112,000 in prizemoney.

Earlier in the day, Todd guided the Tommy Logan-trained Malibu Edition to a solid win in the Sportsman’s Luncheon Maiden (1300m).

Logan decided to try a different rider on his charge – the trainer’s partner Sonja Wiseman had been aboard at the horse’s first three starts – and the decision paid off.

Malibu edition scored by two lengths from Pointo’s Pick, with Andaman third.

New Roman continued his recent run of fine form with a dominate win in the 0-64 Handicap (1200m).

trained by Kerry Petrick and with Casey Hunter in the saddle, New Roman led Kent Street and Stroke of magic to the home turn, then produced a good kick to Sturge clear for an impressive win by a little over two lengths.

Kent Street had every chance but second was his lot, with Fort Knox a game third.

Hunter, like Todd, also doubled up, guiding Wild Rover to an all-the-way victory in the 0-58 Handicap (1200m).

Garry Lefoe trained the winner and also the runner-up Mr Boomjangles, and the pair were separated by only a head at the line.

Really swish boomed home to take third placing, 1.5 lengths back.

No nay Emerald (Jason manning/Vanessa Arnott was a popular winner of the Silks Lightening Series handicap (1000m), holding on gamely to deny Toorak Road and Northern Factor by a long neck, with a short half-head between second and third.

the four-year-old mare is raced by a large syndicate of owners, several of whom were on course on Saturday to cheer her home.