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By Ray Hickson

It’s been a waiting game for the connections of lightly raced galloper Icewater but the grey is making a good fist of repaying their faith as he stares at a hat-trick at Lismore on Monday.

Trainer Daniel Bowen (Pic: Trackside)

Local trainer Daniel Bowen identified early on that he’d need to take his time with the four-year-old son of Frosted who only made his debut on the first day of this season.

Even then it wasn’t until his fourth start that Icewater showed a glimpse of talent when stepping out in distance for the first time and he’s just gone on with it with wins at Ballina and Lismore in October.

“I got him up to a point of going to trial but I didn’t think he was mature enough. Thanks to the owners, who were patient and gave him that time, it’s paying off now,’’ Bowen said.

“His first few starts were in the midst of a real wet period here and it was too short his first run.

“Those short runs were nearly like gallops for him but we got to the business end of stepping him up in trip.”

Icewater was a $36,000 purchase at the Inglis Classic Sale and is a half-brother to WA Oaks winner Lunar Impact so being effective with a bit of distance isn’t surprising.

A maiden win came his way a month ago by sweeping home from off midfield to score over 1590m at Ballina then he changed it up, and showed Bowen a new side, by winning at Lismore over 1526m from just behind the speed.

“Last time he went forward from his gate which is showing he’s improving with where he can position himself in a race,’’ he said.

“When he jumped and put himself into that race the other day I thought if he can get a bit further down the track that will auger well for him. He’s improving all the time.”

The question for Bowen to ponder is how many more runs after the Basec Engineering Handicap (1526m) is it wise for Icewater have in what is still his first preparation at the races.

It is something he’s wary of and that’s why there’s been a three week gap since his last start win.

“He worked well on Friday morning and that indicates he’s going as well as he was when he won last,’’ Bowen said.

“I’d imagine the way he jumped the other day he’ll be in the first three to four pretty easily.

“I wouldn’t go to the well too many times. Maybe one more but we will see after Monday where we go next.”

Stablemate Viadelamore will look to turn around his fortunes in the Newton Denny Chappelle Handicap (2100m).

The seven-year-old has only won three from 53 but his form would look a little better had the rider not weighed in light when runner-up on Tuesday at Murwillumbah.

“It was disappointing to lose the second place but things happen,’’ Bowen said.

“It’s not going to be a strong race and this was going to be his target race up to his better trip.”

Meanwhile, Bowen’s talented mare Tectonic Plate returns to the trials on Monday as she gets on the comeback trial from feet issues that have kept her off the scene since March.

Icewater wins at Lismore on October 19

She’ll be aimed at stakes races in the Brisbane summer carnival if she trials to Bowen’s liking in the coming weeks.

“When she has her second trial I will know which way we will go,’’ he said.

“She galloped well on Friday, I was pretty happy with her but it’s just one step at a time and it’ll be good to see her back at the races.”

All the fields, form and replays for Monday's Lismore meeting