Capital Gain has delivered trainer Paul Butterworth the biggest win of his career this afternoon, flying home to win the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) at Doomben Racecourse.
Capital Gain could hardly have been more impressive in the 2017 JJ Atkins. Photo by: Steve Hart
Second-favourite behind Melody Belle mid-week, Capital Gain was all but abandoned in JJ Atkins betting markets this afternoon and drifted to a $20 quote by jump.
Jockey Jim Byrne allowed the Ad Valorem gelding to stride forward and take a position off the early pace as Sambro, Tangled and Melody Belle took up the early running.
Having enjoyed a carefree run in transit towards the tail of the field, Byrne pulled Capital Gain off the fence and to the outside of the main pack as the field straightened; creating a wall of six horses with 300m to run.
As Melody Belle faded off the pace, Capital Gain only continued to find; locking in a fierce sprint battle with the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained Taking Aim, but getting the better of the smart colt and the entire JJ Atkins field in the final 100m.
Victorian filly Aloisia worked through the field and savaged the line to finish a close second, while Taking Aim managed to sustain to the line to finish third.
Byrne posted his second Group 1 win of the 2017 Brisbane Winter Carnival this afternoon, having also piloted Redzel to success in the Doomben 10,000, and the veteran hoop was understandably thrilled with Capital Gain’s performance this afternoon.
“Paul (Butterworth) has done a fantastic job with this horse,” Byrne said after the race.
“He’s been telling the owners not to sell him and I’m just so grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to ride the horse.
“My manager has done a great job for me this carnival. He chased this horse and wanted me to be on it. I’m just so grateful and sure enough, we’ve got some success here.”
Capital Gain showed plenty of ability through his seven career starts prior to winning the JJ Atkins; running second in the Listed Dalrello Stakes (1200m) and fifth in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) most notably.
Capital Gain is likely to be set for the featured Group 1 Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas (1600m) during the forthcoming Spring Racing Carnival.
