Doctor Jay has always flagged above-average ability and this prep could be the turning point for the lightly-raced son of former Yarradale Stud stallion War Chant (USA).

Trainer Stefan Vahala is convinced the best is still ahead after watching Doctor Jay produce a devastating turn of foot to win the Morley Growers Market Hcp (1400m) at Belmont on Saturday.  Racing for the third time since being sidelined for twelve-months, he savaged the line to score running away from Essentric Nature (Savabeel) and On Patrol (War Chant).

“We’ve had a rough run but I was confident today,” Vahala confirmed as Steve Parnham returned to scale to a loud reception from a large syndicate.  “He pulled up big after his first two runs back and he’s been building and getting better with every gallop.

‘That was a peach of a ride by Stevie and sitting back brings out the best in him.  We’ve got a pretty good opinion of him and now he will step up to a mile.”

Parham is also looking forward to partnering Doctor Jay in better company.  “His work on Tuesday suggested he was ready and it’s pleasing to see him do that on raceday.  He won with ears pricked and is just better than this grade.”

Doctor Jay (5g War Chant - Jay Belle by Wanted) was bred and sold by Gervase Park for $50,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions.  His dam is a daughter of Group 1 Canterbury Guineas (1900m) winner Fine Society (Marscay).

Saturday’s win continued a very successful month for Gervase owners Chris and Andrea Gales following Yorga Pride (Pride Of Dubai).  She was bred by the Belhus couple and is unbeaten this prep at Belmont for Team Williams.

War Chant (Danzig) is also flying high with the winners of 10 races in August to top that category on the WA Sires table.  His penultimate crop turned two on Monday and he leads a posse of chasers on 9 wins.  Among them is Yarradale resident Shooting To Win who completed a Yarradale double on Saturday when Scully won the Unite Resourcing Hcp (1200m).

Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor) and Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) both stand for a fee of $5,500 (inc GST) at Yarradale Stud this season.   For all enquiries contact Davy Hanratty (0429 336 904).

DOCTOR JAY / Photo: Western Racepix