Obvious eyes back-to-back Flemington wins in Silver Bowl Final
Greg Eurell's gelding, Obvious, is set to pursue a second consecutive Flemington triumph this Saturday, a scenario that appeared unlikely merely two months ago.
The Toronado colt will participate in the 1600-metre Silver Bowl Final, a prestigious event for three-year-olds.
Obvious became a significant contender for the Silver Bowl following his victory in a qualifying heat on June 20. This win followed a second-place finish at Caulfield on May 30, performances that were a significant relief to Eurell given his horse's prior efforts.
Obvious registered last-place finishes at Sandown on April 6 and again at Mornington twelve days later. Eurell attributes Obvious's late-season resurgence to a spell and the use of a water walker at Monomeith Stud.
"It was hard to work it out, he led into those runs in his usual manner and then he just failed to fire a shot," Eurell stated.
"So we thought we'd give him a freshen up and send him down to Monomeith on the water walker."
"Then we just brought him back in and we're doing a bit with him, gave him a jumpout, the jumpout was good, so we thought, 'oh well, we'll go again."
The three-quarters-of-a-length margin by which Obvious was beaten at Caulfield was behind Clevor Trever, a key rival in the upcoming race. Several other horses competing in the Silver Bowl were also among the beaten runners last start.
While Obvious carried 52.5kg to victory at Flemington with Luke Cartwright's claim, he must now contend with 57.5kg in this Saturday's non-claiming race. Eurell is pleased to keep the successful rider on board.
"He gets a bit of a penalty weight-wise after the win, but I think he's in great shape and the beauty of him is he can handle any surface."
Obvious drew barrier seven for the thirteen-runner Silver Bowl Final and is currently joint second favourite with Lucky Lucky Boom, behind Clevor Trever.
Considering the competitive field, exploring the available racing betting markets could prove beneficial.
Compare the latest racing odds at online bookmakers.
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