Yesterday’s Songs has broken through for a maiden black type win at Warrnambool this afternoon; mustering an impressive turn of foot in the final straight to take out the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m).

Yesterday’s Songs (pictured at Flemington) produced an impressive turn of foot to win the Wangoom Handicap this afternoon. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell

Yesterday’s Songs was allocated the ideal barrier 2 for his run in the Wangoom Handicap, and did his chances of success no harm when jumping well and taking a place off the early tempo set by Stellar Collision, Mirage and Jimando.

Electing to stay on the rails rounding onto the straight, jockey James Winks allowed the gelding ample time to balance before asking for an extra effort and was rewarded for the decision when the five-year-old produced a strong sprint; pulling clear and maintaining well enough to withstand a late charge from 2015 winner Royal Island.

Winks’ ride was arguably the difference in success this afternoon but the hoop was quick to lay the praise on the efforts of Trainer Mike Moroney and team, as well as the class displayed by Yesterday’s Songs.

“I was a bit surprised I got there that easy, because as the day’s gone on the fence has been the place to be,” Winks said after the race.

“If it’s there, I’m going to take it!

“This time last year I think he ran fifth in a Goodwood, beaten a length, and one of the owners just reminded he’s capable in his last 600m.

“I think the recipe for today was just that he found the wet track and he loves it.

“It’s a credit to Mike and his team, he put the blinkers on and gave him a jump-out during the week so full credit to them, and well done to the owners.”

Stable representative for Moroney, Greg Hoysted was pleased the team’s decision to add blinkers paid dividends in the Wangoom Handicap.

“He won very well,” Hoysted said.

“It’s the wet track mainly. He’s always raced in a one-eyed blinker, but we’ve put a full set on him today and it’s worked really well.

“He just needs a wet track to show his best. He’s probably just under the top level but on a wet track, he sort of brings himself up to that mark.

“Mike said to tell him (Winks) to take all the shortcuts, and he did.

“James thought he might like to be three back on the fence, and that’s exactly where he was.”

In taking out the 2016 Wangoom Handicap, Yesterday’s Songs has now posted five wins and as many minors through a total of nineteen career starts.