A fantastic training performance by Phillip Stokes combined with a brilliant ride by Damian Lane allowed Tobaysure and his owners to revel in the spotlight at last Friday’s Cox Plate eve race meeting at Moonee Valley.
First-up since May, the homebred son of Cable Bay and former ATB race mare Black Velveteen, held on narrowly to land the biggest payday of his 16-start career when winning the Western General Bodyworks VOBIS Gold Star over 1500m.
With Vobis incentives attached to the $96,250 first prize, owners collected in excess of $117,000 to take his overall earnings beyond $264,000.
Well supported in betting from as much as $8 to start $4.80, the 5YO scored by a nose in recording his fourth career win and first at metropolitan level.
During his previous preparation, Stokes was able to extend him out beyond 2000m, and with that in mind he looks to have plenty of future race options, including some lucrative country cups.
Congratulations to breeders and owners Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd, S C G Racing Pty Ltd, Brittain Racing, JW Clements, PC Larkin, Brown Gecko Racing, CJG Smith, OF Kelly, P Swansson, PO Kelly, Mrs J Van Der Sluys, Shepp Battlers, Mrs PN Curran, Royal Kialla, RJ Shields, Maverick Racing, PJ Gallivan, M Mulder & Coronet Racing.
Article: Peter Morganti
Photo: Racing Photos