Punters on three-year old Sesar enjoyed a gun run during Saturday’s Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Not to be outdone by race-favourite Sandbar, Steven O’dea’s ever-speedy colt came from nowhere along the rails to storm ahead and win by a length.
Sesar, above, will be placed on a Carbine Club Stakes path following a win in Saturday’s Roman Consul Stakes.
It looked as though Sesar was done and dusted as the field swung around the final turn, but after jockey Jason Collett found himself in a less than desirable position heading down the straight, the pair slotted in front with less than 100m to go to secure a Sydney double for the stable.
“He had the hood on today. Steve (O’Dea) said to me to get cover. He was probably a touch afraid that he may over-race if he didn’t have cover.” Collett said after the race.
Having won the Group 3 Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast back in May, Sesar entered as a $7.60 roughie with Ladbrokes behind Sandbar and second-elect Jonker. And as it turns out, Collett always felt confident in his horse’s turn of foot.
“I was quite happy when I got to the turn and I had caught them back up. I saw the back of the favourite (Sandbar). I had plenty of horse and I knew he was going to be strong late.”
Sandbar always looked a little too eager after lunging at the gate in the barriers. He was vetted and cleared to race, but likewise to Collett, O’dea was impressed with Sesar’s efforts.
“It really is satisfying to get this colt to come here first up as a three-year old. He showed so much raw ability last prep. To go on and do what he’s done today, they were hectic early.” O’dea said after the win.
With the November’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) the likely landing pad for the Roman Consul winner, it appears as though the stable will take a different direction after a strong first-up run.
“He’ll go to Melbourne now.” O’dea claimed.
“Being a colt there were thoughts of going to the Coolmore but with the run under his belt he could be run off his legs so there is the Gothic at Caulfield over 1400m and then Carbine Club Stakes.”
Full Carbine Club Stakes odds and fields can be seen here.
