Jake Noonan has faith in Bold Soul in the 2025 Flemington Cup

Patrick and Michelle Payne will again call on Jake Noonan to steer Bold Soul in the marathon Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, and the jockey is keen to repay the stable’s confidence with a winning ride.

The rising five-year-old shares fond memories with Noonan: together they collected a three‑race Stakes haul as a three-year-old—two in Tasmania and one in South Australia. Their partnership has been rekindled only sparingly since, but Noonan returned last start when Bold Soul ran a strong second to Goldenstatewarrior over 2600m on July 5, stepping in after Tom Prebble (successful over 2530m on June 21) was suspended.

“Paddy asked if I wanted to go down to Tassie to ride him (as a three-year-old), and that’s how it originated,” Noonan said.

“I had a bit of luck on him and won the Tasmanian Derby. He’s a tricky horse to ride, but I seem to have clicked with him, on occasions.

“Credit to Tom Prebble. He’s done a terrific job on him this preparation and I was lucky enough to get back on him last start.

“We just got run down. He went up three kilos the other day and the winner stayed on 54 kilos, and if we had met on level weights, he would have gone close to winning.

“If he gives himself the chance to settle over the 2800 metres on the weekend, he should see it out and be pretty competitive.”

Noonan knows the staying trip demands early discipline.

“He can be a bit bold and keen into the bridle and if you’re doing that over 2800 (metres), it can be detrimental in the second half of the race,” Noonan said.

“If he can do it right early, he can be pretty tough when he needs to be accountable. He’s not necessarily the best horse in the race, but he’s tough.

“He’s had some good racing this time in, and it’s seasoned him and he’s probably getting better with the racing that he’s had.”

Ready to invest in staying form? Grab the best price on the Flemington Cup 1849 by shopping Australia’s leading betting sites before you play.

From competitive fixed odds to feature-race promos, compare the best betting sites, top mobile betting apps, and trusted online bookmakers in our complete Australian guide.