Quentin Lang
It was another day of domination for Darren Weir, with the master trainer winning seven races — four of them at Flemington, including Theanswermyfriend (High Chaparral) who picked up the VRC Member Damian Cubela Handicap (1400m).
The Karaka graduate turned in a bold front-running performance and staved-off the challenge of the fast-closing Night’s Watch (NZ) (Redwood), with Odeon (NZ) (Zacinto) finishing third.
The winner and runner-up were both prepared by Weir.
“Both horses ran terrific,” Weir said.
“Probably the winner just had the fitness edge because he’s had a couple of runs. He was ready to go forward today. He’d been getting in behind and doing a few things wrong, but today we thought his fitness level was ready to be in the first four.
“He landed in front and rolled along nicely and kicked well.”
While delighted to see Theanswermyfriend claim his first win since joining his stable in May, Weir was equally excited about the runner-up.
“Night’s watch looks like he is in for a great prep. He’s had a really good spell and he’s developed and there’s a nice win in him somewhere.
“He could be a Bendigo, Ballarat or Geelong Cup sort of horse once he gets out over a bit of a journey.”
Theanswermyfriend was offered by Gordon Cunningham’s Curraghmore at the 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, where Aquanita Racing secured him for $70,000.