Nobler impressing with third consecutive win
A narrow victory and a protest challenge couldn't deter Nobler from claiming his third straight win at Rosehill, signalling his emergence as a promising galloper.
The former Irish gelding, who debuted locally in March, has now achieved a remarkable hat-trick, adding the Ranvet Handicap (2000m) on Saturday to his previous mile wins at Randwick and Gosford.
With a swift acceleration midway down the straight, the $2.90 favourite demonstrated enough stamina to hold off the charging King Pedro ($4.40) by the barest of margins, a nose, with Perfect Play ($7.50) securing third place a length and a half behind.
The protest was lodged by the runner-up's apprentice jockey, Anna Roper, against Siena Grima on the winner, alleging interference near the 200-metre mark when King Pedro had to adjust its path as the inside run alongside Nobler tightened.
However, stewards promptly dismissed the objection. Presiding stipe Tom Moxon explained to Roper that while a narrow opening did briefly appear, it closed before she could fully commit to her run, and the movement originated from the horse on her inside, Skycatcher.
Darren Beadman, speaking on behalf of winning trainer Chris Waller, indicated that Nobler has greatly impressed the team since his arrival in Sydney and is expected to contest superior races next preparation.
"He's acclimatised well since he has come over here," Beadman said.
"I think he could make his presence felt at the back end of our spring carnival, so now is probably a good time to tip him out and get him ready for something a little bit better.
"He's certainly taken it all before him since he has come up to Sydney. He's an athletic horse, a very clean-winded horse. Impressive."
While Nobler's resilience saw him cling to victory in his initial middle-distance test on Saturday, Beadman was firm in his belief that the gelding possesses the physical attributes to extend his range over time.
He also commended the ride from stable apprentice Grima, noting that her strategic decision to wait for clear running before the turn, rather than pushing for luck, was pivotal.
"She had a choice at the 600, that was the difference between winning and losing," Beadman stated.
"She got the horse out into clear spaces and let him go through his gears."
Grima completed a running double for the stable aboard Surf's Up in the Petaluma Handicap (1400m).
Betting markets for the Ranvet Handicap are sure to be competitive once Nobler's spring campaign is confirmed.
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