Hitting The Jackpot!

It was a brilliant return to his best form for Jackpot at Pakenham on Sunday, the lightly raced but talented four-year-old at only his second run back from a spell racing away to a soft 3 1/4 length victory.

A horse who has always shown plenty of ability - winning at debut in New Zealand by a wide margin - Jackpot has had wind issues that required an operation with jockey Steven Arnold noting that his problem damaged his confidence.

"He would just get a bit tense in his races but now that he is breathing well he is a lot more relaxed."

"He gave me a good kick today, he quickened well and was good to the line. He won pretty easily."

Jumping fast from an outside gate, Jackpot was outside the leader for the initial stages of the race but was eventually able to get to the front where he travelled sweetly.

Racing clear from the 180m, Jackpot was able to record the second success of a nine start career, one that has had its frustrations with a Moonee Valley victory in February last year lost on protest.

Purchased at the 2013 Karaka Select Yearling Sale, Jackpot is a son of the outstanding stallion Volksraad and the three times winner Downloaded, half-sister to Volksraad's Gr.3 winner Thriller.