Superstar jockey James McDonald has quickly backed up his Derby Day haul with his first win of Melbourne Cup day, after Opening Address saluted in the $175,000 TAB Trophy (1800m).
Trained by Liam Howley, Opening Address was expertly steered to sit just outside the leader, ready to strike on the straight and the $3.80 shot did not disappoint, rocketing home in the second race on the card.
Opening Address beat home Statuario ($7) and Cecchetti ($21) with McDonald’s victory comes after his magnificent Derby Day, which saw him win the Coolmore Stud Stakes (Switzerland), Carbine Club Stakes (Aeliana) and the Empire Rose Stakes (Atishu).
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As they rounded the turn, McDonald asked for an extra effort, and the gelding surged to the lead at the top of the straight.
Despite a charging field behind him, Opening Address held his nerve, pulling away to secure a length victory over Statuario, with Cecchetti closing hard in third after being held up until the final stages.
For backers of the TAB Trophy favourite, Plymouth ($4.40), it was a tough race to watch. Trapped behind traffic in the straight, Plymouth was shuffled back and repeatedly checked, finally finding clear running only when the race was out of reach, finishing just outside the placings.
This early win cements McDonald’s remarkable form and sets the tone for what could be another standout day in the saddle.
But the champion Kiwi jockey does not have a ride in the Melbourne Cup, following the scratching of Via Sistina.
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