Royal Supremacy dictates terms to win The Q22

In a performance reminiscent of Pride Of Jenni, the Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy dictated the pace from the outset to secure victory in The Q22 at Eagle Farm.

Following the late withdrawal of Pride Of Jenni due to the Heavy 9 track, Royal Supremacy assumed the lead in the Group 2 2200m weight-for-age race on Saturday.

Ridden by Mark Zahra, Royal Supremacy, a $14 chance, held off its rivals to win by 1-½ lengths. Pounding ($61) finished in second place, with Militarize ($5) a further length behind in third.

Zahra allowed Royal Supremacy to gradually take control of the lead, increasing the tempo approaching the home turn.

Maher commented on the horse's acclimatisation and form in Queensland.

"He's thrived up here again," Maher remarked. "He's been at Tony Gollan's place and he's improved each start.

"There was no speed on paper when Pride Of Jenni came out and he can be a bit of a terror to ride, so after a little bit of deliberation before the race, we thought it would be better to work with him rather than fighting him for 2000 metres.

"We thought he would drag himself through it (the ground) because he can get on the bit.

"It is tough to make ground today so we thought with no speed, they probably wouldn't worry about him too much and that is how it worked out.

"He got into a nice rhythm and we're both (Maher and Zahra) heading off to England tonight, so it'll be a good trip over there."

Zahra noted that Royal Supremacy maintained a strong gallop throughout the 2200m distance, expressing confidence they would hold their advantage before the home turn.

"He never completely drops the bit," Zahra said. "He was good enough out front but from the 700 or 600 (metres), I thought there was no way anything can beat me the way he quickens.

"It was a very good win, and he could have gone another lap, too."

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