Cellarmaster triumphs in a tight finish to claim the Winx Guineas

In a thrilling conclusion, Cellarmaster ($5.50) narrowly pipped Platinum Pantheon ($6.50) at the post, with Rustemo ($8.50) trailing in third, more than a length adrift.

Leading bookmakers noted Cellarmaster's winning dividend at $5.50, while the favoured runner Within The Law ($2.60) failed to live up to expectations despite being heavily supported.

The $2.60 favourite, Within The Law, a stablemate of Thebudgiesmugla, settled just off the pace and gained an inside run on the home turn but could not sustain the effort, finishing sixth and beaten over three lengths.

Charlton indicated that Cellarmaster had earned his significant race victory.

“He enjoys being ridden a bit quieter, and we have learned that with him. It was a good performance,” Charlton said.

“I think he’ll keep improving, he’s definitely not the finished article. He’s a chance to run a bit further in time as well.”

Charlton mentioned that following Cellarmaster's third in the Phar Lap Stakes in Sydney during the autumn, the intention was to target the Gunsynd Classic at Eagle Farm, but the horse finished fifth behind the talented Skyhook.

“We thought the Gunsynd was his sort of race, which it arguably was, but it was a bit stronger than normal because those horses like Skyhook didn’t get a run in the Stradbroke,” Charlton said.

“But this was a touch weaker.

“We’ll give him a break and think about what we do. He is Magic Millions eligible so whether we think late summer prep into the Magic Millions, or whether we give him a couple of weeks off and come into the spring, we need to figure that out.”

Discussions are underway regarding Cellarmaster's future targets, with the Magic Millions series a possibility for a late summer preparation, or alternatively, a spring campaign following a short break.

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