Winning return to the track for Scooter’s Machine ahead of Fitzpatrick Plate start in Albany

Collie trainer Chris Gilbert produced an impressive training performance to taste success with Scooter’s Machine first-up, without a trial at Mt Barker Turf Club last Friday.

Scooter’s Machine retuned to racing after a 244-day break and proved too strong for his rivals in the Make A Resolution Handicap (1200m).

The seven-year-old gelding will start in the $100,000 Fitzpatrick Plate (1230m) in Albany on Sunday.

Gilbert and apprentice jockey Kristy Bennett teamed up to notch their second victory each in the Great Southern season and Scooter’s Machine scored a fourth win at the distance and eighth of his career.

Scooter’s Machine sprung the gates and shot straight to the front, controlling the tempo before kicking clear in the straight and holding off favourite Kendel’s Mee Dad by a neck.

Can’t Get Enough caused an upset in the Time To Party Handicap (1100m) for Albany trainer Roy Rogers.

Jockey Kate Witten rode her first winner in the region this season after leading all the way to guide Can’t Get Enough to a two-length victory, with $1.90 favourite Blue Line finishing third.

Jason Whiting finished the program with a winning double after guiding Starauthoress to victory for local trainer Peter Western in race six and then the Paul Hunter-trained Scream In Blue in the final event.

Meanwhile, Halatorion broke his maiden status for Rogers in Pinjarra on Monday.

Brad Rawiller guided Halatorion to a long-neck victory over favourite Otheroneson while Heavenly Waters ran second also for Rogers in the first race at Pinjarra.