2023 PB Lawrence Stakes Results: Cox Plate Hope Mr Brightside Salutes First-Up
Betting | Horse Racing Today | News | Race Results | Spring Racing | Winter Racing |The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained Cox...
The small field of seven proved no match for Attorney on Saturday as Matthew Smith’s six-year-old took out the Group 3 Stephen Quality (2400m) at Rosehill in his fifth run back from a spell.
Having failed to win a race in 450 days, a patient ride from jockey Jason Collett proved the trick as the French raider turned in a classy staying performance.
Attorney did well to run second in his return to the races over the mile at Randwick last month and wasn’t disgraced stepping up to the 1800m a fortnight ago at Rosehill.
Barrier 1 always looked a tricky task heading into Saturday’s contest, but that didn’t stop punters from piling on at the $4.50 quote before the jump.
“The European horses can do it” Smith said when asked on the step up to the 2400m.
“It was the first time we’ve done it. For myself as a trainer to get them to jump up quickly in distance. He enjoyed the good gallop today and found the line which was good.”
Collett found himself with work to do in the early stages after shuffling back early behind a very slow tempo.
The winning hoop did well to remain patient however before shifting off the fence to stave off Djukon and Grey Lion wider out.
Attorney holds a nomination in next weeks $750,000 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick, but judging by Smith’s thoughts, the stable aren’t prepared to make a decision just yet.
“He’s in there. Better judges than me can make that decision. We’ll go back and have a think about that one” Smith said after the race.
The six-year-old has firmed from a whopping $101 into $51 for the race with ladbrokes.com.au with Mugatoo remaining the $3.00 favourite.
There was no such luck for Exemplar on Saturday, who drifted in betting before running a stone cold last.
Grey Lion turned in a bold performance in the late stages to run third, while second place-getter Djukon has also seen some love in Metropolitan betting firming from $101 into $51.
Ladbrokes’ All-In Metropolitan market can be viewed here.
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