French import breaks through in Cup
Annabel Neasham's knack with imported stayers was again on show at Rosehill with Bois D'Argent getting the verdict in a thrilling three-way finish to the Listed Lord Mayor's Cup.
Previously with Marco Botti, Bois D'Argent joined Neasham's team after finishing third in last year's Rosehill Gold Cup and has been a work in progress.
He disappointed at his stable debut when midfield at Moonee Valley in March before a more encouraging performance when a last-start third in the Gosford Gold Cup.
Stable representative Aaron Lau said the six-year-old had taken good improvement from that run and jockey Regan Bayliss had fuelled their confidence Bois D'Argent could step up in Saturday's 2000-metre feature.
"Regan filled us full of confidence after Gosford. He said the horse would improve having that run under his belt," Lau said.
"His run in Melbourne was a bit of a head-scratcher, we thought he would run really well but it didn't eventuate.
"But he has come back to Sydney and put two good runs together."
Bayliss found a position three-deep with cover in the run but was exposed 1000m from home and said he was mindful of keeping Bois D'Argent in a good rhythm.
"I just had to get him travelling, keep him in a rhythm and just let him keep sliding up and gee he was tough to the line," Bayliss said.
"I think he's a nice horse and he will pick a few more of these off before he's done."
Bois D'Argent ($5) is likely to stay in Sydney with the Listed Winter Cup (2400m) at Rosehill in two weeks his next target.
The gelding prevailed in a head-bobbing finish, denying Navajo Peak ($4.40 fav) by a short half-head with Wicklow ($7) another short head back third, just ahead of Thalassophile ($5).
Navajo Peak's trainer David Payne confirmed the runner-up would now be spelled in preparation for a spring campaign which could include a tilt at The Metropolitan (2400m).
"It was a bob of the head and a stride past the post he was in front," Payne said.
"I will put him aside now and look to the spring. I think he wants further."
Bois D'Argent gave Neasham consecutive wins in the Lord Mayor's Cup after she took it out with another import, Hopeful, last year.
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