Boilover in Chief’s Cup
Alice galloper Ash Grey’s upset win at Fannie Bay
THE lightly-raced Ash Grey upset his more fancied opponents to win the $60,000 Asian United Food Service Chief Minister’s Cup at Fannie Bay yesterday.
Queensland jockey Matthew Palmer put $31 outsider Ash Grey, in his first run at the track, into the race early to sit outside expected leader Zahspeed.
When the pressure was applied approaching the home turn, last year’s Darwin Cup winner Zahspeed was the first one to wilt and Ash Grey found another gear upon straightening for the judge.
Ash Grey, whose previous 22 starts were at Pioneer Park in Alice Springs, showed true grit defying the late challenges with Embley closing late for second and Sky Punch a further four lengths back in third.
Palmer was quick to sing the praises of trainer Carl Spry upon returning to the mounting yard.
“It was a great effort – Carl has been flying with all his horses, whether he’s been riding them or training them,” Palmer said.
“Travelling that distance (from Alice), keeping them on their feet and in tip top order, Carl has done it well.
“Winning first up at a mile was an amazing training performance.”
Spry has recently taken over training duties of Ash Grey from Alice Springs trainer Leanne Gillett and was quick to recognise them after the surprise win.
“My staff have done a wonderful job and I thank the Gillett family for their advice and assistance in letting me train Ash Grey,” Spry said.
Ash Grey is no stranger to winning big races, having claimed the 2018 Alice Springs Cup, although he was well beaten by 19 lengths in this year’s edition behind Lieder when he ran 9th of 12.
Spry will likely push on to a tilt at the Great Northern Darwin Cup in three weeks’ time but was undecided where he would line up Ash Grey at his next outing.
“We will talk to the owners tonight and go from there,” Spry said.
Embley, Sky Punch and Reiby The Red all performed well enough to think they can play a role in the longer races over the carnival.
Darwin Cup hopefuls Zahspeed and Stanley were both very disappointing on face value.
The $200,000 Darwin Cup is shaping up as an open race as no standouts have emerged at this stage of the carnival.
It is possible a three-yearold might emerge as a serious Cup contender in next Saturday’s NT Derby over 2000m.
Poet’s Landing will start a clear favourite after his dominant Guineas win.
The Bridge Toyota Cup meeting (Ladies’ Day) will be held this Wednesday, which is day three of the eight-day Cup Carnival