Saddler's Story was given every advantage by a superb ride from Jason Maskiell in winning the Comic Court Handicap at Flemington this afternoon.

Maskiell won his fifth race in 24 hours, reducing his claim to 2kg after wins at Moonee Valley last night.

"We got a good run through", said Maskiell, giving himself no credit for the smooth passage.

"The pace was on and made it a true staying race and he makes a very nice stayer."

In marked contrast to his last race at Geelong where he fought Nicholas Hall fiercely and finished second last, today Saddler's Story was much more tractable.

"He went too early but if you don't fight him, he's pretty good within himself", Maskiell observed.

Winning trainer Robert Smerdon put down Saddler's Story's improved performance to a change of gear and barrier 2.

The addition of a bit lifter, tongue tie and a lugging bit, combined with the removal of cheekers seems to have changed Saddler's Story quite a bit.

"Probably drawing inside and having horses covering him up helped him a bit and he certainly responded to the bit in his work", Smerdon observed.

"We were pretty confident that wouldn't be an issue today."

Smerdon was also impressed with Maskiell's riding performance, saying:

"He's so full of confidence."

"I don't know if its all ability but he's just added confidence to it at the moment and its showing in the result."

With plans to take on the Bagot Handicap at Listed level on New Year's Day, Smerdon hopes to have Maskiell take the ride.

"Once he gets up to a trip and I think he likes the big spaces too so the Bagot's a good race for him", Smerdon said.

"That's where we thought we'd head with him when we backed off him after his 3000 metre win."

"Even though its a black type race with no allowances for apprentices we're pretty keen to keep Jason on if he's available."

"Going back over the 2800 metres there if its a fast run race its pretty much similar in distance."

"He's won at 3000 two times so he should be right in it."

Pictures - Fiona Tomlin & Quentin Lang

© Cyberhorse 2010 Bill Saunders Published 19/12/09