Observational stormed home late to make it two wins on the trot with another strong effort in the 2017 Easter Cup at Caulfield this afternoon.
Observational made it two wins on the trot with an excellent performance in the 2017 Easter Cup. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Observational returned to winning form with an upset victory in the Listed Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo on April 1 and he produced another excellent effort to take out the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m).
The original plan was to try and go forward on Observational, but there was too much speed in the early stages of the race and jockey Tom Sadler could not find a position better than midfield.
Observational still travelled into the race beautifully and was bolting at the top of the straight before he raced away to record another impressive victory.
Sadler has had a number of ups and downs during his riding career to date and he was clearly delighted to combine with his father John Sadler to record one of his biggest wins in the Easter Cup.
“We got narrowly beaten by Black Heart Bart last year on Charmed Harmony in the Victoria Handicap and we got beat a nostril in the two-year-old race today, so I was thinking when is it going to be my turn,” Sadler said.
“He just travelled beautifully for me and if anything we got there too easily.
“It is very, very exciting.
“I probably got a bit carried away there on the line, but it is just a great thrill.”
Trainer John Sadler was clearly emotional to see his son Tom record a maiden win at Group level and he was forced to hold back tears when discussing his tough route through his riding career.
Sadler is unsure where Observational will have his next race start, but he suggested that a trip to Queensland for the 2017 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival is not out of the question.
“The hard work has paid off for him,” Sadler said.
“Three or four years ago he couldn’t ride at 55 and he came here one day and had to forgo a ride that had 59.
“He has really put his head down and his bottom up and worked terribly hard, so it was only a matter of this happening.
“I am a little bit emotional actually.
“It is a huge thrill because we have seen him have his ups and downs and he is in a good place at the moment and so is the horse.
“It is a really great thrill.
“I would love to win a Warrnambool Cup, but I don’t know whether he can run a mile and a half or not.
“He is racing extra well and I think we will just enjoy this win.
“Queensland could even be an option.”
Second Bullet ran well for second, while Adelaide Cup runner-up Double Bluff savaged the line late to finish third at a massive price.
