It was a case of two cities, one story to kick off east coast racing in 2016, with both Melbourne and Sydney playing host to eye-catching long-distance performances in their New Year’s Day main events.
At Flemington, veteran Mujadale taught his younger counterparts a lesson in staying, the eight-year-old leading all the way to win the $150,000 Listed Bagot Handicap over 2800 metres.
In strikingly similar fashion at Randwick, Tommy Berry booted Vilanova forward early in the $100,000 Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m) and was never headed, holding off all challengers for a comfortable win.
Those thinking that a new year could bring a new order to Sydney racing should think again, with the Chris Waller-trained gelding breaking his own 18-month duck to give his trainer victory in the Club Cup for the fourth straight year – a sure sign that the king of NSW racing intends to continue on his merry way in 2016.
Berry paid tribute to Waller immediately after the race:
“This is where Chris is so good at what he does… This horse hasn’t won for a while but Chris has obviously aimed him at this race and got him here ready on the day.
“Chris wanted me to lead but if Zatopaz went quick early, then let him go… But the plan was to put the horse in the race and make it known early you want to be there.”
Yet the gutsier of the wins belonged to the old boy Mujadale.
Jumping from the forth gate, Stephen Baster made sure to get his noted front-runner to the head of things early, and duly rounded the first turn with nothing but clear air ahead.
From there he was able to set the tone until things kicked up a gear at around the 600-metre mark, with apprentice Michael Dee urging first trailer Sonntag to make his move – ultimately in vain as his charge fell away in the straight.
The big questions were then asked of Mujadale, the loudest coming from Glen Boss on Trendsetter and Ben Melham on Danjeu, the latter coming up the inside with all momentum to head Mujadale for the briefest of moments. But Baster and his mount were having none of it, and fought back with a final burst of speed to claim a tremendously tough and determined victory by a narrow margin.
“He relaxes and races better in front as he’s a strong willed horse,” said trainer Paul Jones. “When the push comes to shove, he sticks his head out and gives his all.”
Jones indicated he would look to next month’s Moonee Valley Night Cup for the gelding’s next assignment.
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