Palmetto delivered a gritty front-running performance to claim the Listed Canberra Cup (2000m) on Sunday, March 9, holding off a fast-finishing Matusalem to secure victory for trainer John Sargent and jockey Tim Clark.
The six-year-old gelding, who had been knocking on the door all preparation, found the front early from a wide gate and dictated the tempo throughout.
Despite the sustained challenge from Matusalem in the closing stages, Palmetto dug deep to prevail by 0.11 lengths at $3.90 odds with the top online bookmakers.
Jumping cleanly, Palmetto had to do some work to cross the field but settled into a rhythm with Touristic and Redstone Well, last year’s runner-up, getting ideal positions just off the pace.
As the field approached the final turn, Clark began to lift the tempo, with Redstone Well peeling out to challenge and Matusalem unleashing a strong run from midfield.
At the 200m, Palmetto was still in front, with Redstone Well and Gear Up looming as dangers before Matusalem launched late.
However, Palmetto had enough in reserve, clinging to victory in a thrilling finish.
2025 Listed Canberra Cup Race Replay – Palmetto
For Clark, it was his fifth Canberra Cup win, adding to previous victories aboard Hippopus (2016), Dark Eyes (2017), Summe dour (2020), and Sacramento (2021).
“He had to do it the hard way from the wide gate with the top weight, but he was just too tough in the end. He gave a great kick and held on well,” Clark said post-race.
“He’s been racing well all prep, so it’s good to see him get a deserved win.”
The Chris Waller-trained Matusalem was enormous in defeat, flashing home late and arguably unlucky after being held up for a run at a crucial stage.
favourite, had every chance but couldn’t match the finishing bursts of the first two, finishing 0.44 lengths away in third.
With eight career wins and $1,530,129 in prizemoney, Palmetto has proven to be a genuine competitor at this level.
Sargent will now assess his next move, with options in both Sydney’s autumn carnival and further staying races on the horizon.
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