Godolphin import Best Of Days proved to be the best miler on the day in taking out the Group 1 $1m Kennedy Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
Best Of Days, above, wins the 2018 Kennedy Mile at Flemington. Photo by Steve Hart.
The first emergency only gained a start in the Kennedy Mile after the Queensland galloper Crack Me Up was ruled out for the spring with a leg injury and the lightly weighted five year old got his chance to challenge for a Group 1 win.
Best Of Days chances were boosted by the inside barrier and the stallion really responded to the addition of the blinkers.
Craig Williams was able to put Best Of Days to sleep near the tail of the field with a slick pace up front set by Persat who went forward from a wide barrier.
Williams rode for luck in the straight and his patience was rewarded with an opening appearing in between runners at the 250m.
Best Of Days ($12) was quick to pick up with the blinkers on and dashed through to claim the major prize and another Group 1 win for the royal blue colours of Godolphin.
Le Romain ($13) was brave to finish second with 57.5kg on his back with Darren Weir’s pair of Peaceful State ($13) and Land Of Plenty ($4.20 favourite) running third and fourth.
Best Of Days was dropping back in distance after dead heating for first in the Group 3 $150,000 Ladbrokes Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on October 20 and trainer James Cummings was confident of another bold showing after a smart gallop during the week.
“It is just satisfying to get up on a big day,” Cummings said.
“Craig delivered a copy book ride from admittedly a beautiful gate.”
“He had galloped better that he had all preparation and we were very confident of the horse running well.”
“He was an emergency at acceptance time but luckily was able to scrape into the field.”
‘Le Romain, full credit to that horse carrying a big weight, he looked outstanding and our horse Best Of Days was able to out-muscle him.”
“He just savaged the line like a horse in really good form and had the desire today and I am just so proud of the horse.”
Best Of Days wrapped up a winning treble for Cummings and the Godolphin Team after winning earlier in the day with Ranier in the Group 3 $200,000 The Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) and with Osborne Bulls in the Group 2 Stakes (1200m).
