Numerian tracking towards The Q22 defence
Since undergoing a name change and prizemoney boost, the Q22 has been a happy hunting ground for trainer Annabel Neasham, who will bid to continue her clean sweep of the new-look race with defending titleholder Numerian.
Formerly the P J O’Shea Stakes, the feature was revamped and in 2021, Zaaki took out the inaugural running before stablemate Numerian triumphed last year.
While Zaaki is in the spelling paddock following his disappointing performance in the Doomben Cup (2000m), Neasham’s racing manager Rob Archibald has confirmed Numerian will return to the scene of his biggest win.
The gelding came off a Gosford Gold Cup victory to snare the $1.2 million feature 12 months ago and heads to this year’s race with an arguably better form reference after finishing runner-up to Huetor in the Doomben Cup.
Numerian showed great determination in the weight-or-age race, tracking wide and appearing to come off the bit before the home turn then digging deep to be narrowly edged out by the winner.
Archibald said the seven-year-old had come through the run well and would be given the chance to go back-to-back in the Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
“It was a really big run from him last start but hopefully he can go one better in the Q22,” Archibald said.
“He’s thriving and we’re really happy with him.
“He’s going to have to be at the top of his game against that level of horse but if he is, he can certainly put himself in the mix.”
A field of 14 was paid up for the Q22 when final fields were released on Wednesday with Huetor again among Numerian’s rivals, while three-year-old Fame adds interest as he steps out to open company after finishing runner-up to Kovalica in the Queensland Derby.
Numerian will be one of three Eagle Farm runners for Neasham along with Holyfield in the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) and the consistent Manhood in the Listed Makers Mark Hinkler Handicap (1200m).
While Numerian has fared well with gate two, both Holyfield (barrier 21) and Manhood (barrier 17) will have to overcome wide draws.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...