The Lindsey Smith-trained Tuvalu broke through with a well-deserved Group 1 win in the 2022 Toorak Handicap results in Melbourne on way to a potential Railway Stakes assignment in Perth this summer.

Tuvalu posted a well-earned Group 1 win in the 2022 Toorak Handicap results on Caulfield Guineas Day. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The always-honest Kermadec five-year-old continued his rich vein of form and strong record at a mile backing up from a close third in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) to win this year’s Group 1 $1 million Toorak Handicap (1600m) on Caulfield Guineas Day.

Last year’s leading country rider in Victoria, the hard-working Jarrod Fry continued associations on the gelding and was rewarded with his breakthrough Group 1 winning ride.

“He’s done a wonderful job for the stable,” Smith told Racing.com speaking of Fry post-win.

“It’s all about Jarrod and the horse today.

“Just for Jarrod and all his hard work. It’s great. Group 1s are what it’s all about.”

Tuvalu won the Listed Winter Championship (1600m) at Flemington back on July and returned to winning form second-up in the Toorak relishing a 53.5kg light weight.

“He’s always felt like one day he’d win one of these (Group 1s),” Smith said of Tuvalu.

“I’m just glad it came sooner rather than later.

“The barrier held and the perfect ride.

“It’s good to get it done.”

Fry had the eventual winner up on speed settled third on the fence as the first into stride, Ben & JD Hayes’ last start Group 3 Sandown Stakes winner Gentleman Roy, led the field around.

Gentleman Roy held a narrow lead on the straight, but was beginning to tire 100m out from the line as the likes of Military Expert and Tuvalu came with their runs.

Tuvalu ($9.50) drew clear and held on to win the Toorak holding off the fast finishing Annabel Neasham-trained Law Of Indices ($13) who flashed home late to get up into second and nearly hand jockey James McDonald a hat-trick of Group 1 victories on the day.

The fellow Neasham-trained Military Expert ($16) was also good off an on-pace run to finish under a length back third just ahead of the brave front runner Gentleman Roy who held for fourth after getting swamped late.

The Toorak Handicap result saw former WA trainer, the now Warrnambool-based Smith, celebrate his 11^th Group 1 victory.

There could be more in store before the end of the year too with Smith confirming plans to head east with Tuvalu and target the Group 1 $1.5 million Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on November 19.

“That’s what I think the plan will be,” the 63-year-old horseman said.

Tuvalu currently occupies the third line of all-in 2022 Railway Stakes betting at $9.50 through Ladbrokes.com.au – full markets available here.

2022 Toorak Handicap Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.