Order Again has bobbed his head at the right time to beat Group 1 winner Volatile Mix in this afternoon’s Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes (2000m) at Eagle Farm.
Brian Smith saddled Order Again to success in this afternoon’s Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes. Photo: Daniel Costello
Order Again attracted the biggest market share of bets leading into the Grand Prix Stakes and the horse didn’t his chances of winning the race no harm when jumping well and taking a position within the classy field of three-year-olds.
Settling into an ideal rhythm in transit and experiencing a carefree run, jockey Larry Cassidy began to edge the Iffraaj gelding forward upon approaching the final bend and found a position just behind the lead pack as the field straightened.
Immediately responding when asked for an extra effort, Order Again produced a big turn of foot and appeared to have the race easily won 200m from home, but was lucky to survive a late charge from Volatile Mix and hung on in a photo.
Cassidy delivered a perfectly-timed ride aboard Order Again to be crowned the Grand Prix Stakes winner and believes that the horse is a live chance of winning the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm in a fortnight.
“I would have been disappointed if I got headed on the line, because BJ (trainer Brian Smith) always says count to ten and I only made it to eight!” Cassidy said.
“Again, they have to step up another 200m in distance. He’s improving and he’ll take plenty of benefit from today.
“Even from last start because realistically, this is only his fourth run and no barrier trial so he’s on the improve and all honours to Brian Smith and his staff – they’ve done a terrific job.
“I hope they keep the meeting here and I’ve got the easy part, I only have to ride him.”
Order Again retuned to the races for a credible fifth in the BRC Memberships Plate (1350m) at Doomben on April 15th before winning the Ubet Stradbroke Day BM70 (1500m) and finishing second in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (1600m) at his two most-recent appearances.
Volatile Mix is primed for another win at the highest level in the Queensland Derby following this afternoon’s second, while Violate worked to the line well to finish third.
