Waller’s late entry takes Caulfield Cup
EXPAT-KIWI trainer Chris Waller saddled up Durston ($16) to capture the $5.6m Caulfield Cup (2400m) in Melbourne yesterday, as NZ horses and trainers dazzled in the spring carnival sunshine.
First emergency when the field was decided, Durston was elevated into the famous handicap with a race-morning scratching and is the first emergency to win the race.
In a pulsating finish, Durston arrived late for ex-NZ jockey Michael Dee to snatch the race from gallant topweight Gold Trip by a neck. Knights Order made most of the running before filling third.
Kiwi-bred favourite Smokin’ Romans battled home seventh after racing handy.
‘‘A Caulfield Cup, it’s a big deal and Durston he’s a really decent horse,’’ said Waller.
‘‘He looked like he needed a bit of luck getting out and he did get out, great ride from Michael.’’
Waikato-based trainer Andrew Forsman capped a great day on both sides of the Tasman when Mustang Valley bolted away with the $330,000 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings.
Forsman had earlier captured back-to-back victories at Caulfield with Saint Bathans in a 1700m contest and the G3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) with current G1 Victoria Derby (2500m) favourite Mr Maestro.
Then 5yo gelding Aegon scored for Forsman in the G3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield for a big treble in Melbourne.
Having finished an eyecatching second behind La Crique in the G1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata just seven days ago, Mustang Valley was installed a $2.30 favourite and she gave
her supporters no need for concern, courtesy of a top ride by Michael McNab.
Relishing the heavy 10 underfoot conditions, the 4-year-old daughter of Vanbrugh travelled beautifully in midfield before taking over on the home corner.
McNab went for gold as the mare put a gap on her rivals before coasting to the line four lengths ahead of runner-up Justaskme, who chased hard in the home straight and Defibrillate, who made up good ground for third.
McNab was in awe of the mare’s performance.
‘‘She had a great turn of foot, whereas some horses sort of coast and plateau in that ground, but she just sprinted really well.
‘‘All credit to her and to Andrew as I just turned up and rode her. He is doing phenomenal things . . .’’
● Unbeaten 3yo Giga Kick
($18) made it five straight wins, snatching the $16.3m Everest (1200m) with a big finish at Randwick from Private Eye and Mazu, with former ABs rugby coach and part-owner Steve Hansen’s warm favourite
Nature Strip fourth, setting up a $12K first four. Giga Kick was ridden by Craig Williams for Victorian trainer Clayton Douglas.