Deny Knowledge proved too strong in a bold front-running display to capture the Listed Victoria Gold Cup at Caulfield on Saturday.
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman and expertly ridden by Mark Zahra, the seven-year-old mare led throughout the 2000m feature to notch her tenth career win.
Breaking cleanly from barrier five as the $4 favourite with the top Australian bookmakers, Deny Knowledge surged to the lead and dictated the tempo, setting a solid gallop while keeping her rivals at bay.
Bankers Choice tracked in second throughout, while Shaiyhar and Toranzino settled further back in the field. Rounding the home turn, Zahra asked Deny Knowledge to extend, and she responded by kicking clear at the 300m mark.
Despite a determined challenge from Bankers Choice, Deny Knowledge found another gear in the final strides, holding on to win by three-quarters of a length, with Shaiyhar edging out Toranzino for third.
Post-race, Zahra praised the mare’s resilience and tactical speed.
“She’s tough. I knew she was fresh and ready to go today, so I just had to hold her together early. When she kicked at the top of the straight, she was strong late. Even when they came at her, she found again.”
Trainer Sam Freedman was pleased with the performance, indicating that an Australian Cup tilt was under serious consideration.
“She’s as genuine as they come. We knew she was forward enough today, but she’ll take even more improvement from this. She had three solid trials and plenty of work leading in, so credit to the whole team. She’s tough, and that’s what gets her results. We’ll chat with the boss in Sydney, but the Australian Cup is definitely on the radar.”
Deny Knowledge’s win capped off a stellar day for Yulong, following their success in the Blue Diamond Stakes earlier in the meeting.
With a career record of 40 starts for ten wins and over $1.9 million in earnings, she continues to prove herself as one of the most durable and competitive mares in training.
Deny Knowledge is currently a $12 hope with Neds to win the 2025 Australian Cup on March 29.
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