A Maiden win at Warrnambool to Caulfield is some jump but that didn’t deter Akavoroun, or his trainer, Ciaron Maher, they took it all in their stride winning the Jimjoca Handicap.

The gelding was almost friendless in the market as he drifted out to $15.0 from an opening quote of $8.00.

He raced handy for the majority of the 1400 metres trip, never further back than sixth for most of the race, except for losing his position momentarily before the home turn.

Within a few strides he quickly reached the lead, putting the issue well beyond doubt, with 200 metres left to run.

No firm decisions have been offered as to where the gelding will go from here; he is a promising horse with a sound future.

The win of Akavoroun completed a winning double for Dean Yendall, he won on Polanski earlier in the day.

He is the sort of fellow that doesn’t rest on his laurels, being among the most travelled jockeys in the state, he is off today (Sunday) to ride at Casterton.

Weight has never been a problem to him, a man at a boys weight he keeps himself fit riding at several meetings a week, and is strong in riding a horse out.

Akavoroun winning well 

The passing of Ian Fisher, at 94, earlier last week was the closing chapter in one of the oldest racing families in Victoria.

Back in those early years of the previous century the brothers, Jim and Ruben, both were wheat farmers in the Wimmera, each became involved in racing as trainers.

Jim was up at Yaapeet, near Lake Albacutya, Ruben trained at Brim, the stabling was all thatched roofs, warm in winter and cool in summer.

All the galloping was done on the farms, the wheat was sown about 10 metres in from the fence that was where the horses were worked.

It was a marvellous era to be involved in, the racing was great and it was an experience to meet all the personalities.

The Fishers played quite a dominant role in racing throughout the Mallee and the Wimmera; an ill word could never be spoken of them.

Jim had two sons, Charles, (Son), and young Jim, as he was known, while Ruben had five sons Reg, Tren, Ian Kevin and Gordon, all followed their father into racing.

Ian was the jockey of the family, and a good one at that, he was never apprenticed, hence he was only granted a B licence, which restricted him from riding on metropolitan courses.

No records were kept of his winning rides, they were numerous, Roy Higgins, as a young apprentice in the Riverina, would have ridden against Ian Fisher up around the border.

On retirement Ian became involved with the Warracknabeal Turf Club, and even had a stint in local government, he was always there to assist people.

His tales of Jamestown, the horse, were always entertaining; Jamestown won races on 21 courses in three states, he was known as the Carbine of the bush.

He raced over 14 seasons from 1941 to 1953; he had 153 starts, winning 52 races, 29 seconds and third 20 times.

Ian Fisher will be long remembered, not only for the winners he rode, he also was a popular figure, a man who treated people as he himself wanted to be treated.

Ian Fisher

Mister Milton has finally had a serve of good luck, something that has escaped him for much of his racing career.

He was on top of his game at Flemington last week, down the straight six for his second win in 24 starts.

As explained, he and luck were almost complete strangers; however, a compromise has been finally reached for Mister Milton and his trainer, Norman Waymouth.

Norman is no stranger to success, most of it back in the early eighties as the regular rider of the crack two year old, Rancher, unbeaten in his eight starts as a two year old.

Rancher was trained by Norman’s father, Charlie, former rider of the star filly, Chicquita, he won six races straight on her, but after a verbal altercation with her trainer, Tony Lopes, he was replaced by Scobie Breasley in the Oaks, which she duly won.

Norman was back to his vocal best after the Flemington success, declaring we are going to hear and see a lot more of Mister Milton during this current preparation.

Mister Milton winning at Flemington

Damian Lane was the pin up boy at Flemington on Saturday with a winning treble; he is riding in great form with plenty of success.

It illustrates that if you can get in with a top stable, such as Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra, the opportunities are there if you take advantage of them.

Lane has taken the bit between his teeth since he arrived from Perth; he is keen, conscientious and conducts himself as a gentleman.

He is riding for a good stable and he is getting the results, his treble on Saturday chalked up 22 city wins for the season.

Damian Lane - Leading apprentice 

With the English Derby drawing closer the unbeaten, Dawn Approach, continues to shorten in betting, with many believing he has a mortgage on the race.

He goes into the classic unbeaten after seven starts, he won the 2000 Guineas over a mile by five lengths at Newmarket, this is generally a good guide.

He needs to get the extra ground at Epsom, which should not bother him unduly; he looks to have quite bit on his opposition.

Dawn Approach is by New Approach, he will shuttle here again this season, he is a Derby winner himself, as is his sire, Galileo.

New Approach will be represented by two runners in the Derby as he is also the sire of Libertarian, he won the Dante Stakes at York last week, a Group 2 race over 10.5 furlongs (2050 metres).

He will certainly shorten up in betting, but that is not likely to concern those that have already backed the favourite.

New Approach - Sire of the Derby favourite