Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman have claimed back-to-back wins at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, with I Wish I Win (+280) securing victory in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m).
He was able to turn the tables on Bella Nipotina (+750) from the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) last start after chasing on inferior ground, with Luke Nolen being legged aboard this time for the absent James McDonald.
It had already proved to be a winning combination prior to Saturday, with Nolen boasting an outstanding record on the son of Savabeel, with eight rides for three wins and another four minor placings, now adding a fourth win to the tally for the old firm.
It was a perfect ride by Nolen to get away from the inside running rail in the concluding stages, allowing I Wish I Win to settle into a lovely rhythm in the back-half of the field.
Uncommon James (+3300) strode to the front to gain a relatively uncontested lead, while Freedom Rally (+3000) loomed up to sit just in behind the speed, giving Bella Nipoitina and Think About It (+300) the perfect stalking positions.
I Wish I Win and In Secret (+750) both made inroads down the middle of the course turning for home, but it was the former letting down best, while Bella Nipotina was attempting to cause back-to-back upsets in the final furlong.
I Wish I Win was able to knuckle down to the task in the end though, claiming his first win since the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) in 2023.
2024 Kingsford Smith Cup replay – I Wish I Win
Katherine Coleman spoke for the second time at Eagle Farm and praised the ride by Nolen before thanking everyone involved in the horse.
“We had a fair bit of confidence, but barrier one, he was going to need a good ride from Luke Nolen and I’m so thrilled for Luke to win this on him as well,” said Coleman.
“He’s worked hard to get back on him and that adds another layer to it.
“I was so happy when I saw him today, he looks incredible and that’s a huge credit to the team that have had him up here in Brisbane. Gio has been up here the last few months looking after the horses and travelling. They stayed at Desleigh Forster’s stable and she’s done an amazing job as well.
“I’ve got to say a huge thanks to our team back home, Will Holmes, our foreman, all the staff, they do an incredible job and we wouldn’t be doing this without them.
“We’ll just see how he pulls up, but I’d say he’ll go and have a little break now and will prep him for the Spring/Everest.”
It was an emotional Luke Nolen in the aftermath as he thanked the Moody & Coleman camp for the opportunity.
“I’ve done a lot on this horse,” said Nolen.
“Obviously I was a bit disappointed being off but we made amends today.
“Some days you’re at the top and other days you’re at the bottom so you take each day as it comes. I was pretty down but these experiences are character building. I’ve got plenty of bloody character now, don’t worry.
“Obviously I’ve got a lot to do with the Moody/Coleman yard and 40 group ones. One ride in the day and I didn’t know where I was going on Sunday so I’m very grateful.”
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