Veteran stayer Index Linked has overcome a small but talented field to win the Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup (2200m) at Eagle Farm Racecourse this afternoon.

Index Linked returned to the winner’s stall in this afternoon’s Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo: Daniel Costello

Index Linked continued to receive steady support in the hours leading up to jump this afternoon, and did his chances of success no harm whatsoever when jumping well and taking a good position within the field as Brave Ali and Gesemi set the pace past the post the first time.

Settling into a good rhythm and receiving a good run in transit over the back straight, jockey Hugh Bowman pressed the Dansili gelding forward and took a position just behind the lead pack rounding into the final straight.

Allowing the eight-year-old plenty of time to steady before asking for an extra effort, Bowman was greeted by a typically gutsy turn of foot and was a passenger as Index Linked overcame his rivals to post a half-length win over Tucanchoo and Malice.

Trainer Chris Waller was understandably pleased with Index Linked’s performance to win the 2016 Tattersall’s Cup, and was pleased the horse was able to return to winning form following a luckless performance in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) a fortnight ago.

“It was a good run in the Brisbane Cup, he just got shuffled into the wrong part of the track and tempo wasn’t run to suit,”

“Today he was able to roll and that’s his style of racing; he’s a grinder and it was a good ride by Hugh.

“I’m a big fan of the track, because you can win from anywhere. In six months’ times, you’ll have one of the best surfaces around.”

Bowman delivered a typically smart performance aboard Index Linked to win the 2016 Tattersall’s Cup and echoed Waller’s sentiments in regards to the horse’s progression from the Brisbane Cup.

“We were satisfied with his run in the Brisbane Cup and although he wouldn’t have won, he would have finished a bit closer with a bit more luck,”

“He appreciated a consistent speed today, he followed the right horse into the race in Malice and he finished off well.

“He’s been a bit of an enigma, but he’s a horse who certainly races consistently and he deserves today’s win.”

In taking out the 2016 Tattersall’s Cup, Index Linked has now posted an impressive twelve wins and ten minors through a total of forty-two career starts.