Last start flop Malaguerra returned to winning form with a narrow victory in the Group 1 $500,000 BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben today.
Malaguerra, gold and red colours on the inside, holds on to beat Dothraki, red colours, in the BTC Cup at Doomben. Photo by Daniel Costello.
The Lee and Anthony Freedman trained Malaguerra ran a disappointing sixth last start when things didn’t go his way in the Group 1 $600,000 Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 16.
But the Freedman brothers didn’t lose faith in the four year old and pushed on with a Brisbane Winter Carnival campaign.
Malaguerra has now confirmed his spot at the top of the betting for the Group 1 $1.5m AAMI Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 11 and will now head to the Group 1 $750,000 James Boag’s Premium Doomben 10000 (1350m) at Doomben in a fortnight.
New rider Glen Colless had Malaguerra ($7) racing on the pace behind the speedy Two Blue and took over half way ddown the straight.
Blake Shinn on the well supported Dothraki ($7 into $5) looked very confident on the five year old at the 250m but Malaguerra was able to hold on to get the judge’s decision by a nose.
The Chris Waller trained Japonisme was sent out as the $3.30 favourite and after settling midfield for Glyn Schofield, found the line well to wind up in third spot.
Two Blue was one of the outsiders of the field at $26 and did a good job to hold on for fourth spot after setting a slick pace to lead the field into the straight.
Jockey Michael Cahill appeared to escape any serious injury after being dislodged from Artlee ($9) in a scrimmage after the post and was seen walking back to the jockey’s room.
