The Map has secured a Melbourne Cup berth with her victory in the Andrew Ramsden at Flemington.
Six months of planning has paid off with The Map earning a 'Golden Ticket' into the Melbourne Cup.
The Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday grants the winner a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in November.
Trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy Macgillivray planned their assault on Saturday's race after The Map won 'the other' staying race at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day last year.
Sent out the $3.90 favourite under Damian Lane, The Map held off a late challenge by Mostly Cloudy ($6.50) by a half-length with Excelleration ($6.50) a nose away third.
The Melbourne Cup is 171 days away, and MacGillivray said The Map would have a three-or four-week break before preparing for the Melbourne Cup.
"We'll let her chill and then start again," MacGillivray said.
"We're in the Melbourne Cup, now we have to get her fit and we don't have to run her and get any weight penalties.
Redemption for Niance
Niance was able to redeem herself in the eyes connections and trainer with her victory in the Inside Headquarters (1200m).
The daughter of Swiss Ace was beaten as a short-priced favourite down the Flemington straight on Anzac Day, but her manners on Saturday were far different.
“She was a different horse today,” trainer Grahame Begg said.
“Pre-race and the way she went down to the start, then going in last and not being in there too long gave her a good, clean break and she was able to get into a good rhythm.
“I was very pleased that we were able to turn it around today and she will now go for a break for something later in the spring and see if we can tick off a few more boxes.
“That should get her rating up and then maybe we can head to a little Black Type race somewhere.”
Track no concern for Riverina Power
Warrnambool trainer Tom Dabernig headed to Flemington fearing the slow track condition, but at the same time knowing the track would be in pristine condition.
The Dabernig-trained Riverina Power took out the K A Morrison Handicap (1400m) after finishing midfield in a contest on the final day of the Warrnambool May Carnival.
“We put a bit of a line through that run,” Dabernig said.
“The winner led and was on the rail and we were out in the centre of the track.
“Her first-up run at Caulfield was really good and she showed glimpses in her last preparation with a couple of competitive races in town.
“So, we weren’t put off, but when the track came up a Soft 7, it was a bit of a concern, but being Flemington and knowing it would be in pristine condition, and being down in the weights, I thought we’d roll the dice.”
Taking the gamble paid off for connections who collected $82,500, taking the filly’s earnings beyond $130,000.
Well-named Adelaide galloper lands prize
Hong Kong-based David Price spends considerable time in the naming of his horses.
A play on the TAB’s slogan - ‘Win some – lose more’ - saw Price name a four-year-old that was lucky to make it to the racetrack Losesomewinmore.
The gelding had been earmarked for Hong Kong, but after a sesamoid injury before racing saw the gelding banished to the paddock.
That injury was enough to rule the sprinter out of heading to Hong Kong, but in five starts for Adelaide-based Richard and Chantelle Jolly, he has three wins, including the Stud and Stable Staff Awards (1100m).
Chantelle Jolly said the four-year-old could potentially be back in Melbourne during the spring.
“We’ll let the dust settle on today, but I think he’s a horse that could definitely feature in the spring,” Jolly said.
“So, we might give him a freshen up and get him ready for that, but he’s a very talented horse.”
Moroney’s spirits receive uplift with Milford’s win
Trainer Mike Moroney has welcomed the win of Milford as he continues fighting back from illness that forced him to be hospitalised last month.
Milford scored a shock win in the L V Lachal Handicap (1600m), although it wasn’t totally unexpected by the stable.
Assistant trainer Glen Thompson said Milford had been working well and while his first-up run at Caulfield may have looked unflattering, it was a better performance than it appeared on paper.
“I thought he could sneak into a place, but I didn’t think he was a winning chance,” Thompson said.
“He’s been going well. His first-up run was OK. He got back but didn’t really have any luck.
“It was a nice patient ride by Declan (Bates). He needed that in that class. He’s won better races than this before, so hopefully it’s a good sign for the remainder of the prep.
“It’s good to get a winner for Mike. He was watching and I spoke to him after the race, and that will give him a a good uplift today.”
