Danny O’Brien & Michael Dee have combined to cause a major upset at Doomben on Saturday, with Maracana (+4000) pushed out to secure victory in the Group 3 Pam O’Neill Stakes (1600m).
She was sent north from Victoria after her recent win at Cranbourne on May 10 at BM70 level, forcing the daughter of Shamexpress to make a significant leap in grade on Saturday, which the five-year-old mare was happy to oblige at massive odds with top online bookmakers.
It was thanks to a perfectly rated steer by Dee, gaining an economical run in transit towards the one-one, with the Kris Lees-trained favourite Zoe’s Promise (+320) ensuring they ran along at a moderate clip.
Senora (+2500) crept up to sit outside the leader throughout, while the well-supported Thalassophile (+400) was dragged back to the rear of the field by James McDonald, biding his time to get the last crack at them in the concluding stages.
When the race went on, it became clear that they were all chasing Maracana though, with Dee sending her to the front with 300m left to travel, with only the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Osmose (+750) within striking distance of the leader.
She loomed large under Adam Hyeronimus, but it was to no avail as Maracana clinged to victory, while Firestorm (+1000) and Princess Rhaenys (+550) were left to fight out the remaining minor money.
2024 Pam O’Neil Stakes replay – Maracana
It was a throw at the stumps that paid off for the Danny O’Brien barn, as he spoke about what’s next for Maracana.
“She’s a filly that had stakes performances as a three-year-old and just lost her way a little bit,” said O’Brien.
“When the rain came and took the edge off this track, she’s got very good form on tracks that are a little bit affected and she produced her best today.
“She’s a mile to 2000-metre mare. She’s got good performances. She’s actually in the (Magic MIllions) mare sale on Tuesday or Wednesday and that is one of the reasons she’s up here.
“But she’s still got plenty of good performances. Whoever decides to put their hand up next week has a horse that is ready to go on with it.
Multiple stakes placed and now a group three winner as well.”
Michael Dee praised his mounts toughness in securing the victory after asking for the ultimate effort.
“She seemed well and truly along with her target today,” said Dee.
“She is finding her form again from a bit of a rough patch but to her credit she stuck it out and got challenged at the hundred (metre mark) and she fought again. Credit to her.
“Lucky enough to have a good draw and hold a position that was probably beneficial. Worked out well.
“It was a nice, genuine tempo where were were able to camp on the two leaders and probably ‘my bad’ I went a bit too soon pressing the button but to her credit she fought well.”
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