It is not often that you can rate a ride ten out of ten but Jarrod Todd rode the perfect race when he steered Jaws Of Life to a win in the Kennedy's Showcase Jewellers 1600m maiden plate at Swan Hill on Sunday.

Jumping from barrier 7 and carrying 58.5 kgs he was a bit slow out but Todd was able to settle him in fourth position two lengths off the leader. Approaching the 1300m mark the pace slackened and Todd had to steady him to avoid the heels of the runners in front, he appeared to hit a flat spot about the 1000m mark but with vigorous riding Todd was able to keep his mind on the job and in touch with the leaders. Nearing the 400m he was still in fourth position but was being hard ridden, he continued to respond in the straight and slowly took ground of those in front, at about 200m from home he switched off heels in to clear running, at the 100m mark he hit the front and with the field beaten he went on to win, going away, by .8 of a length.  This was Todd's first ride on the horse and he rode him perfectly to instructions, at no stage during the race did he give up on him when others may have. 

It was pleasing to see that those very patient owners, that  have shown faith in the horse, have been rewarded with a well deserved, exciting win. It is amazing what patience and perserverance can achieve. Mick and Donna, who bred him, have always had faith in the horse and believed that it was only a matter of time before he saluted, congratulations to them for their success. Congratulations to all connections, Jaws Of Life's record now stands at 10 starts for 1 win and 3 thirds, he has now earned connections a share of $20,161 in prize money.