Jockey Craig Williams and co-trainers Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas celebrated their first Caulfield Cup victory thanks to the lightly-raced mare Southern Speed, who triumphed in the $2.5 million feature race last weekend.
Having finished fourth in her last race against Cup favourite December Draw in the Group One Turnbull Stakes (2000m), the four-year-old mare successfully surpassed Green Moon, the leader, winning comfortably.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, Tullamore finished gallantly in third place in the 2400m Group One event, chasing back-to-back Cup wins following Descarado’s success the previous year.
This victory marked only Southern Speed’s 12th start and her inaugural win at a distance longer than 1400m.
“Just sensational,” Macdonald expressed joyfully.
“She’s demonstrated her form whenever she raced over a mile (1600m) or more this campaign.”
“She’s in great condition, and hasn’t encountered any issues.”
“Although she’s not running in the Melbourne Cup, we’ve accomplished our goal.”
Southern Speed has now achieved four career wins alongside three placements, resulting in prize money exceeding $1.85 million.
Williams shared in the excitement over the performance, echoing Macdonald’s sentiments.
“Leon has truly excelled,” he noted.
“He told me, ‘Just go out and win, and do it easily.’
“In the end, she simply pulled away from the competition.”
“Her dominance was impressive.”
by Buford Balony
