Luke O’Connor’s chance on a former Ciaron Maher-trained import reaped some big rewards at Morphettville last weekend when Placo led throughout with Lachlan Neindorf in the saddle.
Former European Placo was plucked from an Inglis Online Auction for just $1500 and gave O’Connor his first metropolitan win in almost five years.
“It’s looking like a pretty good purchase,’’ O’Connor, who took a break from training for four years said post-race.
“The scary part is I don’t think he’s anywhere near his ceiling, every time I gallop him, he’s getting better and better.
“He had five days in the paddock after his last run, he’s put on about 20kg, muscled up and furnishing into a nice horse,’’ he said.
O’Connor has had just 10 runners since returning to from training and has now produced three winners from his small Morphettville team.
It was Placo’s second win in four starts since coming to SA and has now earnt connections $45,950 in prizemoney.