Trainer Darren Weir procrastinated about a start for Gimlet at the Warrnambool carnival before Contract Racing owner David Moodie talked him into the $70,000 VOBIS Gold Strike (1000m).

“I was unsure with the track downgrade until David swayed me,” Weir revealed after the first-up victory on Tuesday.  “I rang and said she needed another trial but he reckoned we should trial for money.”

Gimlet (Dream Ahead) had been placed on debut at Flemington on New Year’s Day with previous trainer Peter Moody.  “She was nicely educated and we’ve got Peter to thank because she only arrived here six weeks ago.  She will definitely benefit from the win and it gives us a few options.”

Well-supported as the $3.80 TAB favourite, Gimlet was always in the firing line to defeat the Rosemont Stud trio Zero Patience (Danzero), Hollywoodgirl (Toorak Toff) and Brugal Reward (Reward For Effort).

The VOBIS Gold Strike winner was bred by Contract Racing off-shoot Hesket Bloodstock and is the first foal of Limerock (Charge Forward) who completed a hat-trick in Contract’s colours at Flemington in June 2011.

“Her mother won in soft ground and I was confident in the run,” jockey Damian Lane said.  “She was wide but had cover and got the job done like a tough filly.”

Limerock is a half-sister to Sydney stakes winner Warpath (Reset) and her latest two foals are fillies by Helmet and Al Maher.

Contract Racing has a second-to-none record banking VOBIS bonuses and its Wanted gelding Rough Justice won the VOBIS Gold Eldorado (1300m) at Wangaratta in March.