The Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts ($5) has come with a withering burst to claim the Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on Tuesday, courtesy of an expert steer from star hoop Tommy Berry.
The son of Per Incanto lobbed into the perfect stalking position throughout the 1600m journey, with Berry electing to take all luck out of the equation from gate 19.
He sent the five-year-old gelding forward from the outset, getting on the back of Zouatica drawn to his inside ($101.00), as Molly Bourke crossed to the lead aboard the rank outsider.
WATCH: BIG DANCE AND RANDWICK RACE REPLAYS
It gave Gringotts the perfect cart into the race as they turned for home, with the likes of race favourite Tavi Time ($3.60) giving chase in the final 400m.
Vivy Air ($26.00) and Superazi ($14.00) were putting in the big strides late at massive odds with horse racing bookmakers, but it was to no avail, as Gringotts surged away from his rivals to claim the $3 million feature.
Stable representative Johann Gerard-Dubord was on course at Randwick to dissect the win and credited the entire team involved for the success.
“That’s a huge, huge effort, huge team effort,” he said.
“Obviously Gringotts has been the target since Tamworth. We had him right today. Obviously the barrier was always going to be a concern, but we were very confident in where he was going.
“Tommy (Berry) was happy to do a bit of work early. He travelled well and then kicked and it was just too good for them.
“Great to get a win for those owners. Ozzie, a great supporter, some very good people in the horse. And the second horse, Vivy Air, she is improving at every start. Obviously it’s the first prep for us.”
Tommy Berry was elated with the win, and although it’s not the Melbourne Cup, suggested it could prove to be a terrific consolation prize for the stable as he praised his mount in the aftermath.
“Well, done to Ciaron (Maher). I know it’s not the Melbourne Cup mate, but you’ve still got that to come,” he said.
“I hate being in front that far out, so I was too busy trying to get him home and we spoke about how many seconds I’ve had in big races over the last 12 months, so I just held my nerve and just got him to get the job done and it’s pleasing. But yeah, it’s a nice feeling again.
“He’s going to be better again next preparation. He’s still learning his craft. Last start he wanted to go a little bit keen, but they put a bit more work into him this time and had him primed for the day, but it’s nice to get one for this team and this ownership group, Ozzie, and everyone else that’s involved there.”
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