Goolwa horseman David Jolly had an extra reason to celebrate on his 40th birthday when his top sprinter Arinos won the Snippets Handicap (1000m) at Flemington today.

Back home in South Australia celebrating the day with his family and friends at the annual Mindarie-Halidon Cup Day, Jolly's day received a welcome kick along when Arinos shot to the front in the straight race dash and then held out Snappy Tom to win by a half length.

A number of the owners, including The Thong Syndicate's Andrew Tully, made the trip across the border to see the gelding have his first start outside his home state.

Behind the former brilliant juvenile Exceedingly Good for much of the race, Arinos was able to switch over his heels over the concluding stages and surge to the front.

For winning rider Craig Williams the result was just what the doctor ordered after choosing to ride Arinos over runner-up Snappy Tom.

"David couldn't be here today. He rang me this morning," Williams said. "David's turning 40 today - so this is his birthday present."

"He's got some good supporters here in Melbourne today. It's good to have an Adelaide horse come over with the owners."

"My agent Mark Guest has done a great job. I rode Snappy Tom last time and Mark said this is the horse we targeted last time when they scratched."

"Thank god I'm here (in the winner's stall) and not there," he said pointing to the second placegetter's stall.

"The horse gave me a lovely feel. He looked to be a lot more aggressive in his races in Adelaide, but he switched off nice."

"David had his really well wound up and he let down good."

"He's a nice horse going the right way."

"His form reads good fresh. But I don't think he's just a fresh horse."

"But David had trained him up really well and I think he can maintain his form. I think he can do it again."

At the post Arinos ($5-$6.50-$4.80) held a half length margin over Snappy Tom ($8-$11), who was making ground on the outside of the track.

The drifting favourite Exceedingly Good ($3.10-$4.40 fav) was third home after showing great early speed - another three parts of a length behind the runner-up.

Arinos is one of a number of in form runners for Oakside Park Stud stallion Akhadan - a well bred son of Danehill.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.

© Cyberhorse 2010 Greg Irvine Published 28/09/08

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