Walker unearths Hidden Message

In-form jockey Michael Walker landed a treble, and moved to within one win of the leading rider in the state, thanks to a barnstorming win aboard the Danny O'Brien trained Hidden Message in the last event at Kyneton yesterday.

Walker has now ridden 36 winners for the season to trail Dean Yendall by just one win on the statewide premiership table.

Of his treble yesterday, Walker was most excited by Hidden Message's breathtaking performance in the 1887m event given the mare came from near last to round up her competitors and win comfortably.

"We wanted to be a bit closer in the run, but there was speed on early so we dropped back to settle at the tail of the field," Walker said.

"At the 800m I made my move and this filly picked and was very strong to the line. I was very impressed with her performance."

It was the Pentire mare's second win of her nine start career, but it was the first time she had raced past 1600m.

O'Brien had always hoped the mare would develop into a nice stayer.

"We have always given her plenty of time as she has shown us enough that she is going to better over the staying trips," O'Brien said.

"It was a good sign the way she won this event and I am sure she will continue to make her presence felt as we get out over longer distances."

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