Junipal triumphs again to show he’s firmly on the money
MONEY-MAKING miler Junipal capped a glorious spring campaign yesterday, winning the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) in brilliant fashion.
The consistent Ciaron Maher and David Eustacetrained gelding sat just off the speed and exploded down the straight to reel favourite Kenya.
It was Junipal’s third win in four starts and took the five year-old’s earnings to $508,245 from only 23 starts.
Maher flagged another Queensland raid for the consistent and well-travelled gelding, who likes the sting out of the ground to perform best.
“We tried to get him into a in easing couple of Group 1s as a colt to see if we could keep the dream alive with him but now as a gelding he’s lighter, more athletic, his form is probably reflecting that,” Maher said.
“Queensland would lovely (next year), I reckon.
“I don’t mind getting up there as well.”
Junipal was four weeks between runs into the Sandown be
Stakes after jarring up last start when ninth in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.
“We just had a reset … we dodged a couple of firm tracks, and Tim (track manager) has obviously prepared Sandown perfectly. He (Junipal) let down lovely.”
John Allen enjoyed a gun run on the well-supported Junipal, sitting off the speed and launching in the straight as Kenya went for home around the bend.
Buffalo River looked to have every chance but could do no better than third.
“He’s (Junipal) been good to me and these colours have been good to me, too,” Allen said.
“Hopefully this horse hasn’t finished winning yet.”