KEY POINTS:
Milkmen will tell you they're going through tough times, but two of them had a massive day winning yesterday's $120,000 Royal Stakes at Ellerslie.
Bill Werry and an absent Tom Dean combined with cardboard-box recycler Peter Hollier to get Keep The Passion over the line ahead of a red-hot field of fillies.
You wouldn't have known only two of the trio were at Ellerslie - the noise in the owners' stand as Keep The Passion at $25 destroyed the opposition was substantial.
"What a shame Tom wasn't here, but he said he's been bad luck for this filly so he said he'd stay at the beach with his family to allow us every chance," said Werry.
"We knew she was fit," was all co-trainer Lance O'Sullivan could say when asked if he gave Keep The Passion a realistic chance.
O'Sullivan has never known with this horse - she is the worst trackworker he has trained.
"She tails off in her work at home - she finished 10 lengths away in a gallop the other morning."
Winning owner Werry has his ex-jockey brother Tim to thank for being involved in the $77,500 yearling filly that turned out to be Keep The Passion.
"Bill was a bit cynical about getting involved."
Tim Werry knows Ellerslie well - he recalled riding the mighty Balmerino in a short sharp sprint on the morning of his win in the Air New Zealand Stakes on the course.
"I was apprenticed to his trainer Brian Smith," said Tim Werry.
"I galloped him only a furlong the morning of the race and I remember Smithy telling me I was too easy on him, he wanted a two furlong sprint.
"He came out that afternoon and beat Battle Eve, Tudor Light and Jan's Beau.
"It was a great thrill to be involved with a horse like him."
Keep The Passion will now be aimed at the Oaks at Trentham.
Tom Dean was previously involved with a share in big winner St Reims and the syndicate looked like having a top class stayer in The Milkman, but a bleeding attack finished his career.
Dorabella fought hard for second and Leith Innes felt the 1000 Guineas winner may have sprinted a bit quicker on a firmer surface.
Velvet And Satin couldn't break her maiden status, but her third was a big effort.
Jim Collett said he felt favourite Veloce Bella (6th) raced a little flat.
"She's probably had enough for a while."
Princess Coup once again proved difficult at the start, turning a sharp left towards the outside running rail from the outside starting stall and losing her chance.
