Blazing Sword showed his trademark grit at Bendigo on Wednesday, edging out a tight finish to land the Workforce Extensions BM62 Handicap (1600m). The win not only added another notch to the gelding’s rising record but also marked Mark Zahra’s first victory for the Fitzsimmons Racing stable.

It was a breakthrough moment for Zahra and trainer Tim Fitzsimmons, who shared plenty of close calls in Group races together during Tim’s successful stint in Singapore. On Wednesday, everything finally clicked.

Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons was delighted with the gelding’s effort, crediting the team at Nunkeri Park for their role in his preparation.

“After the last run, we gave him a bit of a freshen up and the guys at Nunkeri Park have done an amazing job getting him mentally right again. He wasn’t fully wound up today, there’s plenty of improvement left in him. There’s a race in a few weeks at Murtoa which is a qualifier for a race on Oaks Day, so that’s where we’ll go next.”

Tim also praised Zahra’s tactical ride and the joy it brought to the owners.

“It was a brilliant ride from Mark. We were really lucky to get him today and we’ve got some happy owners. I wouldn’t rule out a rise in distance in the future. I just don’t think much went right last time, but I do think a mile, where there’s a bit of speed on, probably suits him at the moment. He didn’t cost us much, he was $18,000 online and he’s been an absolute little ripper for us.”

Zahra admitted there were a few heart-in-mouth moments in the straight, but was satisfied with how Blazing Sword fought it out.

“He did a good job, pace was nice, settled back. Not knowing the horse, if I had known I would have waited longer. It might have looked like I was getting there late, but he actually got there and then wanted to duck in and half put the brakes on. He got his head down at the right time so it was a good job.”

“I think he has had enough starts now (so doesn’t need any gear changes) and you’ve just got to ride him accordingly.”

 “It was a tight finish and the boys were lining up inside me yelling, so the last stride I couldn’t ride him out, I was pulling him off, but I did think I won - and luckily I did.”

With another strong performance under his belt, Blazing Sword continues to prove himself a bargain buy and a consistent performer. All eyes now turn to Murtoa and the Oaks Day pathway, where the gelding will look to sharpen his blade again.