Cat's got your tongue (tie)!

Double congratulations to stable client Austin Miller for not only is today his birthday but he is also the managing part owner of Wildcat Strike who found her best winning form at Bendigo!

Saluting at big odds, the four-year-old had been racing below her best but a change of gear - the addition of a tongue tie - really did the trick.

"She choked down at her previous start," Robbie Griffiths explained, "hence the form reversal."

A mare who has always displayed good ability, Wildcat Strike has now won three races - two at Bendigo. And she could not have won on a more apt day.

"Let's hope having a winner on his birthday means Austin is in for a big year," Robbie said.

Raced by Austin with Tony Andretic, Pamela Connors, Aaron Lamshed, Nick Godhard, Michael Saba, Clive Landale, Peter Hollick, Paul Harris and Dennis Beed, Wildcat Strike - a $150,000 Melbourne Premier graduate by Hold That Tiger - is a full sister to the stakes placedT igresque out of the winning Brief Truce mare Quiet, a half sister to the stakes winners Time Off and Grandiolquent.

Settling off the pace in the 1300m 62 ratings event, Wildcat Strike looked to be in trouble after losing her position before the turn but Ryan Maloney - who has a good affinity with the mare - did not panic, going for inside runs in the straight.

Finding the line in determined style, Wildcat Strike showed no field shyness in barging through two others and sticking her nose out on the line.