Damien Oliver showed that the controversy surrounding him on Melbourne Cup morning hadn’t affected his riding and produced a typical top class ride to score on Walk With Attitude in the Listed $150,000 Lexus Hybrid Plate (1400m) at Flemington today.
When he arrived at Flemington today Oliver was swamped by the news that he had admitted to a stewards’ inquiry that he had placed a bet which is under investigation but shrugged aside the distraction to produce a calm ride for trainer Darren Weir.
Oliver will be riding Americain, one of the favourites in the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) and part owned by Gerry Ryan who also races Walk With Attitude.
“She had a nice run. He’s a great trainer Darren Weir,” Oliver said.
“The leader gave a good kick, it took some wearing down but she was brave and fought on very well. Nice to get a winner for Gerry Ryan just before the Cup.”
“I can’t thank Jerry enough and I hope I can make it a running double for him.”
Oliver gave Walk With Attitude a sweet run off the pace and the filly really chased hard to gather in Thunder Rain who tried to lead all of the way but was collared just before the line.
Walk With Attitude at $8.50 scored by a neck over $41 chance Thunder Rain with Medusa’s Miss ($7.50) three quarter of a length away in third spot.
Walk With Attitude appreciated the drop back from Group 2 company when she was sixth to Maybe Discreet in the Group 2 $250,000 TAB Edward Manifold Stakes (1610m) at Flemington on October 6 and enhanced her stud career by adding more black type to her pedigree by winning today’s Listed race.
