Lockroy took out his first feature race in thrilling fashion when he got up in the shadows of the post to win the New Season Sprint (1000m) at Belmont on Saturday.
Under the guidance of Jarrad Noske, eight-year-old Lockroy unwound a powerful finish to gun down the leader Don’t Fuss and score by a short half-head.
Noske, in his only ride for the meeting, found clear running for the gelding after he was awkwardly placed behind runners at the top of the straight.
Rebel King wrapped up the minor placing, finishing just under a length behind in third place.
Lockroy, one of two runners in race for trainer, Chris Gangemi, broke through to score his first major victory after four placings in Perth stakes races.
The son of More Than Ready ran third in the Beaufine Stakes (1000m) and Crawford Stakes (100m) and second in the Prince Of Wales Stakes (1000m) and Bolton Sprint (1200m).
A delighted Gangemi said Lockroy deserved to win.
“He would have been very unlucky if he didn’t win,” Gangemi said.
“Three back the fence we were a little worried, but Jarrad got him out and it was a good win.
“I knew he was going to fly when he got out.
“He deserved it after racing at the top level over the last year or so.
“He’s unlucky not to have won one already.
“He doesn’t win all the time, but it’s hard when you get to this level.
“He’s done a great job.”
Noske made his one ride count, but admitted he got worried when Don’t Fuss surprisingly found the lead and gave a great sight in front for Chris Parnham.
“I thought it was too late and chasing Don’t Fuss I knew he would fight back,” Noske said.
“Luckily the horse was good enough to get the job done.
“He never felt like he was going to get there and the last couple of strides I felt him lunge.
“I was never really confident.”
Lockroy’s stable mate Saracino ran fourth.
Julio Santarelli