3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes following Excelleration winning the Banjo Paterson Series Plate at Flemington on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Excelleration (Richard Cully/Michael Dee) - $10
2nd: Born A King (Chris Waller/Jye McNeil) - $8.50
3rd: Welsh Legend (CHris Waller/Craig Newitt) - $7.50
Winning Time: 2:03.93 Last 600m: n/a
Margins: 1-1/2L x 3/4L
Excelleration storms down the outside for Mick Dee & @richie_cully @FlemingtonVRC
— Racing.com (@Racing) June 4, 2022
Winning Trainer: Richard Cully
How does that feel: "Great. It's hard to get a run here, let alone a winner. It was a huge performance."
Knocking on the door: "We've been waiting to get him out to this trip in a truly run race. Some of the races that's run in have been stop-start. He's been over-racing and I just thought come to a big track, 2000 metres, up in grade a bit, no weight, would suit. It was a bit stop-start today but that's what he can do when he gets back and really runs home."
Frustrating: "He's won three from 11, so he has a pretty good record. He's really frustrating at home, would drive you insane, but when you know he's got that ability, it makes it worthwhile."
Winning Jockey: Michael Dee
How good was that: "Prior to the race, Richie came into the room and said we want to ride him quiet. I had a different plan coming to the races. I thought we'd be up on speed but as it turned out they really ran along. It suited my bloke. We were able to somewhat switch off and then and just the way it panned out we were on the back of the horse that I thought was the one to beat and that took us right into the race. We got there quite comfortably without having to do any work. So it was a strong win in the end."
Does he give the impression he can perform at a better level: "When I cruised up outside them quite comfortably, he had the blinkers on but I could feel he was still having a look at the other horses. He was thinking, 'what do I do now', but thankfully he picked up and was strong to the line. For everything to work out like it did today, there's plenty more wins still in store."
