Right To Party ($5) has stormed home late to take out the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, nabbing Arkansaw Kid ($8) on the line to give Anthony & Sam Freedman their first winner at Flemington on Saturday afternoon.
Jungle Jim ($41) set a solid tempo ahead of Sghirripa ($6.50), with Arkansaw Kid camped in behind the leading duo, and they kicked clear at the 400m mark to put a margin on the rest of the field.
Jye McNeil, who piloted the winner, gave the daughter of Zoustar an economical run in transit at the back of the field before picking his way through the pack in the concluding stages.
It appeared as though Arkansaw Kid was going to hold on in the final 100m; however, Right To Party let down with a blistering turn of foot to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
2024 Gilgai Stakes replay – Right To Party
Sam Freedman represented the stable in the post-race interview.
“We were a little disappointed the other day. We thought she was going well and probably the track condition was the reason for the performance, but you have to say, we’ve got a really good team of staff,” Freedman said.
“Great farrier, a great vet, and to keep a horse up like this for a long period of time takes a lot of work. So everyone involved, it’s a big thrill.
“She raced through the winter, and I think to keep spacing her runs and for her to keep turning up and attacking the line like that, we’ve got ambitions to hopefully get her to a group one and hopefully it’s down the straight.
“Well, we think so (head to the Champions Sprint).
“She’s very dynamic fresh. She’s obviously very good down the straight. She’s probably better on really quick ground, which we’re likely to get there.”
Jye McNeil also spoke about the victory post-race.
“Her finish is honestly her asset,” McNeil said.
“I was a little bit concerned when the rain came because she wasn’t at her best on it last time but she, to her credit, fell asleep like she usually does and had a powerful finish.
“She gives you a pretty nice feel and she’s been very, very good to me.
“We seem to have clicked really well and it’s great to be able to provide the team with another win.”
Right To Party is a $26 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 Champions Sprint futures markets.
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