Winning Horse: Big Duke

5yoG Raven's Pass (USA) - Hazarayna (GB)(Polish Precedent (USA))

18 starts - 7 wins 4 seconds 3 thirds 1 fourth $1150274

Black Type Wins

1st G2 Randwick Chairman's Hcp 2600m (2017)

1st G3 Rosehill Irresistible Pools Manion Cup 2400m (2017)

1st G3 Launceston Luxbet Launceston Cup 2400m (2017)

Black Type Placings

2nd G1 Randwick The Metropolitan 2400m (2017)

3rd G1 Randwick Schweppes Sydney Cup 3200m (2017)

2nd G3 Hobart Hobart Cup 2400m (2017)

Other Wins

1st Moonee Valley Schweppes Sparkling (Bm78) 2040m (2017)

1st Caulfield Dennis Hanrahan (Bm78) 1800m (2016)

1st Wetherby Yorkshire Post Magazine Handicap 2011m (2016)

Race Result:

1st: Big Duke - $2.20F

2nd: Auvray - $14

3rd: Cismontane - $31

Winning Time: 2:41.55 Last 600m: 35.50

Margins: 3/4L x 2 ¾L

Winning Trainer: Darren Weir (stable representative Jarrod McLean interviewed)

On the decision to run Big Duke in Sydney: “It ended up being the right option for him. We came up here thinking it might have been a softer option than the Herbert Power. Obviously our ultimate aim this preparation has always been the Melbourne Cup and we really think he’s a top 10 chance in it. To get the job done here today in such a high prizemoney race on such a highly-credentialled day it’s a great achievement by all.”

On the way he travelled in the run: “A lot better. In the Metropolitan we thought he was a run short and it appeared that way when the run presented and he wasn’t able to quite get the job done. Lovely ride today, beautiful galloping surface and we really look forward now to the Moonee Valley Cup in two weeks and then 10 days into the Melbourne Cup.”

On where he rates among Weir’s Melbourne Cup contenders: “We always thought he’s a realistic chance. Amelie’s Star was really good last week and I haven’t laid eyes on the Japanese horse (Admire Deus) yet but he’s in Warrnambool now so I’m looking forward to getting back and seeing him tomorrow. But this horse is a good stayer and he’s had a great preparation for it so really looking forward to what the next month holds for him.”

Winning Jockey: Brenton Avdulla

On heading to the Melbourne Cup: “He is obviously qualified. He’s got a Sydney Cup placing and winning today helps too.

On winning for Australian Bloodstock/Darren Weir: “It is a pleasure to ride winners for loyal connections. Australian Bloodstock have probably been one of the most solid owners I’ve ridden for so obviously it is nice to repay them with a half million dollar race.

“It is good to get another one for Darren Weir. Every time he sends one to Sydney he is always happy to offer me a ride. He is probably one of the best trainers going around in the world so it’s a pleasure to ride winners for him.”

Regarding how good Big Duke is: “He has got Group 1 ability. He only just got beaten the other day. Today I travelled really sweetly. The tempo was good. From the six furlongs onward I was just looking for my way out. I thought Christian (Zero To Ten) was going to drop off and Tim (Cismontane) was going to give me some room. I was able to duck back to the inside and I went up the rise with plenty of horse. When we got to the front he had a bit of a look around but I reckon if Auvray got to me he would have kept running for me.”

Heading deeper into the spring: “I don’t know where they go with him now whether it is the Moonee Valley Cup or not but wherever he goes he is going to be competitive.”

Beaten Jockeys:

Hugh Bowman (Libran): “I thought he was entitled to close off a little better than he did. It was run to suit us, I was very happy with him, but the last 200m I thought he was entitled to be a bit stronger.”

Corey Brown (Chocante): “He was a bit disappointing. We had a great run in transit, the speed was good for him, but he didn’t hit the line at all.”

Blake Shinn (Who Shot Thebarman): “He had no chance. We couldn’t find a position, was wide throughout and that was a telling factor.”

Tye Angland (Havana Cooler): “Good run. Big improvement. Hopefully we are on the way back.”

Kerrin McEvoy (Auvray): “We had a bit of a chequered passage from halfway home. We were unlucky because Big Duke had a break on me, my horse ran fantastic though and I’m sure there’s options for him down in Melbourne now.”

Regan Bayliss (Foundation): “We were quite disappointed with his effort today.”

Jay Ford (Destiny's Kiss): “Super. Ran out of his skin. We were able to hold a closer position today and he toughed it right out to the line.”

Tim Clark (Cismontane): “He ran a brave race up in class. I was happy with him.”

Jamie Spencer (Doukhan): “Not good enough.”

Christian Reith (Zero To Ten): “Got very tired in the last 600m.”

Race Photo: