Eliyass ($4.00) has kept his undefeated Australian record intact, claiming the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, giving him a hat-trick of wins since arriving to the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn.
The son of Le Havre recorded his ninth win at start eleven on Saturday, holding off a gallant Ceolwulf ($2.80) in the shadows of the post, solidifying himself as the early favourite for the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) later in the spring.
Things couldn’t have panned out better for Tim Clark from barrier one, gaining the back of stable companion Serpentine ($26.00) in the early stages, ensuring they ran along at a genuine clip throughout the 2000m.
Eliyass hit the front with 400m left to travel and was left vulnerable with a wall of horses chasing him down, including the well-supported Ceolwulf, along with Golden Path ($5.00) and Zardozi ($11.00) making inroads late.
They were all playing for minor money in the end, however, as Eliyass proved too strong to claim his third Australian success.
2024 Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes Replay – Eliyaas
Adrian Bott was on course to represent the stable, and confirmed the Metropolitan would be the path for the impressive five-year-old gelding.
“He’s got a great constitution, doesn’t he,” said Bott.
“Obviously a great will to win.
“Once again, he had to dig deep. He was challenged solidly there. It was a good tempo throughout. It was a good staying test once again today and he’s exposed for quite a while there. So for him to dig deep once again, it just shows those true staying qualities that he’s got.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in this horse and no doubt that there’s still more upside and more progression. It was a month between runs and we’ve got some big targets for him, not just the Metropolitan.”
Tim Clark was confident going into the race and couldn’t have been happier with his mount.
“I thought his trial was excellent,” said Clark.
“We came here full of confidence and pretty much just rode him like the best horse.
“The second horse challenged him late, but it sort of got to him and he was never letting it pass.
“His manners were all so much better.
“I think he’s always got to be that little bit bouncy and a little bit hot he did parade better.
“He’s obviously only had the three stars here, so he’s still working it out, but he’s got a very bright future.”
Eliyass is now the clear favourite at $4.00 with horse bookmakers for the Metropolitan Handicap on October 5.
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