Andrew Catston-trained four-year-old Aristotle found his winning groove in Invercargill on Saturday.
The son of Pins has been somewhat of an enigma for Carston to date.
“I don’t know why he was a 20-start maiden,” said Carston.
“He’s always showed us enough and he’s had good form with plenty of placings, but he has also disappointed on a number of occasions.
“Mentally he’s taken a bit of time so I’m glad he’s finally got a win on the board.”
Ridden by Corey Campbell, Aristotle was quick away from barrier five but he was happy to settle on the rails, before circling the field three-wide on the corner and impressively kicking clear to win by three-lengths on the line in the Phillips Horse Transport Maiden (1600m).
The win came on day one of the Southland Racing Club’s meeting and he went close to making it two in a row on day two (Monday) when finishing second to Rosie Mae.
Saturday’s win was extra special for Carston, as Aristotle was the first yearling purchased for him by syndicators Go Racing.
“We have at least eight Go Racing syndicated horses in the stable now,” he said. “They are a great group to be involved with and it’s great to get another winner for them.”
Bred by John and Shirley Goodman, Aristotle fetched $40,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale where he was sold through Wentwood Grange’s draft and he is raced by the Go Racing Ring My Bell Syndicate managed by Albert Bosma.