Nash Rawiller and James Cummings have combined for victory in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday, as Golden Mile (+700) proved too strong.
It was a much-deserved win for the son of Astern after two luckless performances hindered his campaign in the Group 2 Missile Stakes and Group 1 Winx Stakes.
It was a perfect rail hugging ride from jockey Nash Rawiller who cut the corner, ensuring there would be no bad luck from the inside draw (6).
Now with a Group level win against the older horses, Golden Mile can press on with the preparation knowing he’s a ready-made stallion prospect in retirement.
2023 Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes – Golden Mile | J: Nash Rawiller | T: James Cummings
James Cummings acknowledged that in his post-race assessment and also eluded that a step down in trip may actually be on the cards.
“The boys do remind me when these Group One winning colts step out to the races and if they put in a couple of below par ones together they do warn me and say ‘be careful’,” said Cummings.
“It’s good to see him not only run a good race again but to get up and win in a time-honoured race like the Group Two Theo Marks, it’s special for a colt who is already a Caulfield Guineas winner.
It gets the wrap back on the horse and he’s well and truly back up in lights as a Caulfield Guineas winner deserves to be.
“Son of Astern, he’s back on the board and he’s in the game.”
“I’m actually not adverse to running the horse in the Premiere in three weeks but we’ll see how he pulls up.
“He’s a very talented colt, we’ve kept him in training for a reason and hopefully we can land another blow. He’s now a Group Two winner as a four-year-old bull.”
Nash Rawiller reflexed on the tough campaign for Golden Mile and was ecstatic to pick-up the win.
“He obviously hasn’t had much go right for him first couple of runs and blinkers on today gave me a lot of confidence,” said Rawiller.
“I pushed the button to go through and thought I might’ve gone 50m too soon because he showed a great turn of foot. But to his credit when he got a bit tired late, he still kept finding.”
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