Picture: Darren Winningham
Don Diego De Vega has damaged his duck in Australia, taking out the Grafton Cup
Former French horse Don Diego De Vega has prevailed in a dramatic Grafton Cup with the pre-post favorite scratched on the barrier and the eventual runner-up all however throwing the race away within the straight.
Prime fancy Bear On The Free obtained his leg over the gate within the beginning stalls and was a late scratching on veterinary recommendation.
One of many on-pace runners, his withdrawal prompted some fast considering from Don Diego De Vega’s jockey Zac Lloyd earlier than the limitations opened and it proved essential.
“The plan modified within the limitations when Bear On The Free obtained scratched and he was one of many pace runners within the race,” Lloyd informed Sky Racing.
“I made my thoughts up within the gates. He was very properly pre-race and going to the gates he was stuffed with power so I used to be assured he was going to start properly and as soon as he did that, it actually made my job fairly simple.
“I crossed the runners to my inside and we obtained a beautiful run.”
Don Diego De Vega ($4.60 betting equal fav) stalked chief Quietness ($4.60 equal fav), who travelled kindly till straightening for house when she ducked out badly after which continued to wobble all around the monitor, virtually actually costing herself any likelihood of victory.
Lloyd was in a position to sneak up on her inside and his Annabel and Rob Archibald -trained mount proved too robust, taking out the Grafton Cup (2350m) by three-quarters of a size over Quietness with Zoology ($15) one other size away third.
It was the previous French gelding’s first win in Australia and part-owner Brendan Nelson, representing the Australian Bloodstock syndicate that races him, stated they had been involved the great monitor may need introduced him undone.
“We had been just a little bit unsure with this floor at present. He actually likes to get his toe in however he simply got here out and did an excellent job,” Nelson stated.
“He has been a beautiful horse. He hasn’t proven us all the pieces but however we will’t wait to see the place this takes him.
“Fingers crossed we are going to see him just a little bit later within the yr. He has actually proven us he’s obtained loads of potential.”
It was a primary Grafton Cup win for each the Archibalds and Lloyd, the latter having carried out a few of his earliest driving within the NSW Northern Rivers area.
“I began my profession right here with Toby and Trent (Edmonds) so good to come back again right here and win the Cup,” Lloyd stated.
*Present prospects solely. 2nd Racing guess. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
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