By Geoff Newling
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IF YOU can’t beat ’em join ’em.
That was Gordon Henderson’s credo when he raced Kikimora at Scone earlier this month.
Kikimora, the race favourite, finished second to the Rod Northam-trained Sargent Doakes in a 900m 2YO at Scone on December 12.
Thirteen days later and Sargent Doakes won his second start as well when he beat stablemate Mi Sassy by a neck in the $15,000 Pryde’s Easifeed 2YO Handicap (1000m).
“We got beaten by him here last start (with Kikimora), ” Henderson told The Leader.
“I didn’t like that but thought if you can’t beat ’em join ’em. I heard Rod had a share in this bloke (Sargent Doakes) and jumped at the chance. “I’ve never had a horse with Rod but I’ve had horses for a long time and know he is a good trainer.
“He’s got one of the best strike rates around.”
Northam has indeed been celebrating on a regular basis of late with winners across the state and Big Money’s two big stakes race wins in Brisbane.
Northam, who was sporting a bandaged right hand after a fall from a horse, was all smiles and delighted with Sargent Doakes,
“Two from two,” he said.
“I can’t ask for anything more.”
He will now aim the gelding, a son of I Am Invincible, for next year’s Inglis 2YO at Scone, a race he won this year with the talented Voodoo Lad.
n Northam might also be in the hunt for a Wallabadah Cup. He has nominated Bright Moon Night for Thursday’s Cup after the gelding won over 1600m at Quirindi on Boxing Day.