Experienced jockey Paul King was the most relieved man on the racecourse when he got Second Step home at Wyong on Thursday.

Having her second start, Second Step was never out of trouble in the TAB Maiden Plate (1000m) before King finally kicked her to a clear-cut two-length victory.  The 3yo daughter of Keep The Faith had been unlucky when third on debut at Gosford a fortnight ago and there was more strife at Wyong as per the following stewards’ report:

“Second Step was badly held up rounding the home turn and near the 300m was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of Bridyn May.  Continued to be held up before obtaining a narrow run between Valiant Mate and Exaggerate.”

“Paul said there’s was no room on the corner,” Warwick Farm-based owner-trainer John Steinmetz said.  “He had check and angle into the clear at the top of the straight.

“I haven’t got to bottom of her yet.  The first time we really put her under pressure was first-up at Gosford.

“She’s pulled up really well after the win and I will either take her back to Wyong or Goulburn next week.

“Even though she’s a quiet filly, carting her around to the provincials will help long-term.  But another win will raise her mark to a point where we will have to keep her in Sydney.”

Second Step (3f Keep The Faith – Crimson Code by Redoute’s Choice) is a half-sister to Moonee Valley winner Barcode (Kaphero) and Singapore winner Be Bold (Equiano).  Their dam was bred by Melbourne businessman Peter Carrick of Lakeview Resources.

Keep The Faith (Sunday Silence) stands for a $3,300 (inc gst) fee at Greta West Stud.