Assign all the way winner in Herbert Power Stakes

Jockey Katelyn Mallyon rated Assign perfectly out in front to score an all the way win in the Group 2 $400,000 Ladbrokes Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield today.

From barrier three Mallyon had Assign ($3.10 favourite) quickly into stride and the Irish import showed plenty of fight in the straight to hold off the challenges of Big Memory ($5.50) to record a nose win.

Third placegetter Pemberley ($6) ran on well from back in the small six horse field while Prince Of Penzance ($12) found it hard to be past the lightly weighted horses with the 60kg on his back and ended up in fourth spot.

Part owner Nick Williams said it would be great if Assign could make the field for the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 1 but at this stage will be struggling to make the field with only 50kg.

Williams said a penalty for today’s race would take him a step closer but will now head to something easier with the Group 3 $300,000 Bendigo Cup at Bendigo (2400m) his next assignment.

“I think he won with plenty in hand,” Williams said.

“He has got 50kg he won’t get in (the Melbourne Cup) at the moment.”

“We will probably head towards the Bendigo Cup. He likes ideally suited for that sort of race.”

“He still could go to the Melbourne Cup depending what penalty her gets. It would be great to see Katie have a ride in the race.”

Williams was full of praise for her front running ride and indicated that Mallyon would remain on Assign at his next outing.

“It was a fantastic ride. She is one of the few local jockeys that really understands pace and rides the European horses as a consequence really well,” Williams said.

“She gave that horse an absolutely super ride.”

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.