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.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...