Having not won since the 2021 Queensland Derby, Kukeracha was able to return to winning form in Saturday’s Listed Tails Stakes (1640m) at Doomben.
The Chris Waller-trained four-year-old was given a wonderful steer by premiership-leading hoop James Orman from the inside alley, which was ultimately what ensured the son of Night of Thunder the victory in the $130,000 Listed event.
2022 TAILS STAKES REPLAY
Kukeracha’s best form has all been in Queensland, putting his Derby credentials on the wall 12 months ago in the Queensland Guineas (1600m) when third to Private Eye, so today’s win did not surprise Waller’s stable representative, Brett Killion
“You couldn’t have asked for a better run, could you really? Third the fence and he’s coming off some solid Sydney form,” Killion said.
“Got here today, he gets further ground and he loves it up here and raced accordingly.
“I remember the mile here on the way to the Derby, he ran a really good race in his first run up here last winter.
“James gets the best out of horses, he’s a very strong rider. It seemed to take all day but he got there.”
Kukeracha is now likely to head to the Hollindale Stakes (1800m) where a clash with Zaaki is on the cards, before he steps out to the Doomben Cup (2000m) and Q22 (2200m).
Derulo fought on gamely to run second, while Hail Manhattan struck little luck in the straight and finished off in nice style to run third at big odds.
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