Royal Supremacy too good in 2025 The Metropolitan Handicap

Ciaron Maher’s Royal Supremacy ($7.50) stamped his staying credentials with a gritty win in the Group 1 $750,000 Metropolitan at Randwick, a performance that could funnel him toward the Melbourne Cup.

The five-year-old gelding dug in late to repel the fast-finishing Soul Of Spain ($4.80F) by three-quarters of a length, while stablemate Juja Kibo ($19) boxed on bravely a short neck away in third after backing up within a week.

Ridden by Melbourne Cup hero Robbie Dolan, the Make Believe son continues to trend upward, and Maher suggested Flemington in November is firmly on the radar.

“He just gets better with each run,” Maher said.

“He used to be a little bit aggressive in his races but with each race he’s starting to relax a little bit better.

“That’s what I said to Robbie, it’s just about getting the first half right and hopefully the second half will take care of itself.

“He’ll probably go to the Melbourne Cup I would imagine. He did a mile and a half quite well, so we’ll see if he can do two.”

Dolan, who gained wider fame via The Voice, outlined the toll of making the light weight.

“It’s tough getting to 50kg when you’re nearly 30 years old,” Dolan said.

“It wasn’t easy especially when you’re all over the place singing like I am.”

“I’m pretty sure the owners rang and said if I win I have to sing for them, so I might have signed up for a bit more.”

With Knight’s Choice—his previous Melbourne Cup winner—ruled out of a defence by a strangles outbreak, Dolan is grateful for another possible shot at the 3200m feature.

“It’s funny how things work out. That little horse (Knight’s Choice) owes us nothing and his welfare is number one and he’ll be fighting fit going for it next year.”

Royal Supremacy currently trades at $26 in futures for the Melbourne Cup.

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