Buckaroo ($8.50) has recorded back-to-back victories as the Chris Waller-trained gelding stormed clear in the concluding stages to take out the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Following his narrow victory in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes, the son of Fastnet Rock has continued his winning ways by rounding up his rivals on the home turn before sprinting away from the rest of the field.
Duke De Sessa ($15) jumped well from the barriers to take up the lead, ahead of Pericles ($4.40) and Muhnamek ($31), who settled behind the leader on a solid tempo in the 1800m contest.
Joao Moreira was able to find cover on the back of Vow And Declare ($34) midfield in the three-wide running line before peeling even wider to make his run on the eventual winner.
As the leaders swung out to the middle of the track, it was evident that Buckaroo had their measure at the top of the straight, and he quickly swept on by at the 200m mark.
Huetor ($71) ran on strongly from the back of the field to nab second behind Pericles, who held on for third place.
2024 Underwood Stakes replay – Buckaroo
Charlie Duckworth was on course to represent the winning stable in the post-race interview.
“Yeah, obviously we’re completely blown away, to be honest,” Duckworth said.
“We obviously wanted to be a bit more positive than what we were out of the gates, but he was a fraction slow away so Joao just had to do what Joao does best and take it into his own hands.
“He had to circle and get going early, but gee was strong late, and he was obviously far too good today.
“So, I had a good chat to Tommy Berry this morning, he sort of gave us a few, few pointers as to how or the reason why he felt he went so well last start, and which obviously then relaid to Joao.
“I was actually talking to Ozzie yesterday, I said is he is he a 2400 metre horse or is he a 3200 metre horse or is he a Cox Plate horse because obviously Joao’s here for the Melbourne Cup and can only ride sort of 54 or 53 (kilos) at a push.
“So trying to work out where where he where he will ride on on those big days, but he might have answered his own question.
“Time will tell I suppose see how he comes through it and Chris can make the big calls but I’m more than happy to be a small part of the team.”
Joao Moreira was elated with the victory, and he spoke post-race.
“It feels amazing, you know. That’s what horse racing is about,” Moreira said.
“When you get one up, the feeling doesn’t get any better.
“Impressive the way how he won, isn’t it?
“He has a tricky manner in the gate. He wasn’t really kind for me in there.
“Began a little bit worse than what we were hoping. Found itself a little bit too far back.
“But as the race disenrolled itself, it kind of got him into the race.
“When I turned for home on the outside, with him having great momentum, I was always confident he was going to get up.
“He’s begging for more ground and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins another one.”
Buckaroo is a $15 chance with top horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup futures markets.
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