Military Mission bounces back from Melbourne Cup in the Zipping Classic
The weather gods may not have smiled on the Melbourne Racing Club ahead of their Caulfield Spring Finale.
But it did not dampen the spirits of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable who came away victorious with Military Mission in the Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m).
It was the first win in the Group 2 weight-for-age contest for the training partners who sit fifth on the Melbourne Trainers’ Premiership with 13 winners.
Coming from last, Military Mission ($13) under Jye Mcneil swept to a 2-¾ length win from Bankers Choice ($8.50) with the $3.50 equal favourite Due De Sessa a short-neck away third.
Rebecca Shanks, who runs the Melbourne stable for Waterhouse and Bott, said the stable began to grow in confidence when the rain started falling in Melbourne early on Saturday morning.
“When it started to open up at eight o’clock at the stables this morning, we definitely thought we were a good chance,” Shanks said.
“This horse’s wet track form is super, three runs on a heavy for a win and a third.”
Military Mission won the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance before finishing tenth to Without A Fight in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Saturday’s outing was his first outing since.
“He’s been exceptional this preparation,” Shanks said.
“So, brave to run in his first Cup over that distance he’d never stepped over before in a high-pressure race and then to step back in trip today and be so competitive, he’s so tough.”
McNeil said the race did not pan out as expected after being caught three wide in the early stage, but the Irish-bred imported stayer relished the wet conditions.
Instead of pressing forward to the one-out, one-back position, McNeil was forced to ease on Military Mission and go back to the tail of the field.
“I was in a bit of a jostle for positioning, but ended up having to take my medicine, come back, and keep the horse happy,” McNeil said.
“I had one run at them, and he let go with an amazing change of speed and he was too good for them.
More Racing News
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...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...