Racing down the Hume to Melbourne
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Scott Galloway on Hume salutes the big Tattersall’s Raceday crowd
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Did the large crowd on hand for Tattersall’s Raceday witness a genuine contender for the nation’s biggest race, the Melbourne Cup?
If you ask trainer Brian Smith after Hume’s win in the Group 3 Carlton Draught Tattersall’s Cup 2200m on Saturday, June 20 his enthusiasm would have you believe so.
Amid jubilant scenes from connections, Smith made the stunning claim about the horse with varied form, having been beaten in two Class 6 races at Doomben.
However he has amassed an impressive six wins from 11 starts.
“You know me I go for the top,” said Smith. “It’s not going to be an Arc de Triomphe with this one, but we’ll be in Melbourne (for the Cup).
“I’m just so proud for Scotty Galloway and the lovely owners. What a fluke to get a horse like him.
“(Galloway) has ridden heaps of winners for me this year…a very cool ride.”
The win by Hume (G5 Zabeel NZ-Lolette GB) on his home track mirrored those earlier in the day with Eagle Farm looking to assist those horses on the pace at the turn.
“I was happy to be up there just chasing the speed,” said Galloway.
“Once Kerrin (McEvoy on Deraismes) came off the fence at the 800 (metre mark), they all went ‘Indian file’ along the fence and I was stuck one out. When they got going I was able to suck up on his back and he gave me a good feeling from the 600 (metre mark).
“I kept Larry (Cassidy on Bellagio Wynn) in the pocket and this proved to be a vital move. Once we straightened up and then let him go at the 300 (metre mark) he was never going to lose.”
Galloway and other runners in the Tattersall’s Cup were required to contend with Bangerang Quickpic’s (Scott Seamer) early gallop from a mile out to place a 30 length gap between himself and the rear of the field.
It looked at first to be an inexcusable move from Seamer which raised many questions from stewards.
However it was revealed by trainer Danny Weir that he laid instructions to let the immature horse dictate proceedings and for Seamer not to fight the four-year-old’s propensity to bolt.
Understandably Bangerang Quickpic ran out of steam at the top of the straight forcing runners wide for the dash home.
Race favourite Rainbow Styling (Steven King) was exposed early after running down Seamer’s horse and was quickly met by Fast Future (Michael Walker), however Galloway took charge 300 metres out and marched home to the cheers of the crowd.
Galloway spoke highly of his association with Smith.
“This is great…it’s a special association I’ve had with Brian Smith over the last couple of years, so it’s good to get a win together,” he said.
“He is very fair and loyal and that’s why I’m here today.”
The jockey also shared his high opinion of Hume from his first ride and, if Smith has his way, the duo may see more prestigious success in the near future.
“(He was perfect) from day one. When he won first-up we didn’t expect that over 1350 (metres). Coming from last at Doomben (in March this year), you don’t see wins like that,” Smith said.
“Just lately he’s had wet tracks but he’s better on a track like today (June 20) for sure.”
Minor placings went to Bellagio Wynn (Larry Cassidy) one length behind in second and Veloce Bella (NZ Jim Byrne) a further three quarters of a length back.
QUEENSLAND Racing web news: Ross Dowd – June 22
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