Spirit Of Gaylard (NZ) Shines On Cup Day

On the same day as a stunning Melbourne Cup (3200m) triumph by champion Kiwi-bred mare Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed), an exciting young talent sourced from Karaka hinted at a bright future of his own with a black-type win at Flemington. 

Spirit Of Gaylard (NZ) (Puissance De Lune), who was bought for $120,000 from Berkley Stud’s Book 2 draft at Karaka 2020, took out Tuesday’s A$175,000 Listed TAB Trophy (1800m) at just his fourth career start. He has now won twice from those four appearances, earning more than A$136,000 in stakes.

Ridden by Jordan Childs, Spirit Of Gaylard unleashed a powerful and sustained finish out wide on the track and prevailed in a tight three-way photo, edging out Blushing Tycoon (Written Tycoon) and fellow Kiwi-bred runner Maracana (NZ) (Shamexpress).

“He keeps getting better and better, and he’s maturing into a nice horse,” Childs said. “I still think he’s a prep away, but it’s great to get the win today on a horse named after Rob Gaylard. When I was an apprentice, he taught us a lot in the apprentice school, and I feel very honoured.”

Trained by Mitchell Freedman, Spirit Of Gaylard won a maiden race at Bendigo in early October before stepping up to the big time with a strong-finishing fifth in the Group Two Moonee Valley Vase (2040m).

The promising colt failed to get a start as an emergency in Saturday’s Group One Victoria Derby (2500m), but Freedman sees that as a blessing in disguise.

“We thought we’d try and get there and have a crack at it, but he’s probably not seasoned enough for a Derby yet,” he said. “As you’ve seen today, he put them away quickly. He’s a really nice horse. He’s got a lot to learn, but he’ll make a nice stayer.

“We’ll see how he goes towards the autumn. He’s still a bit of a baby and we’re looking forward to what the future holds.”

Spirit Of Gaylard became the 14th individual stakes winner sold through Karaka 2020, joining the likes of Group One winner On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau), Group Two winner Mana Nui (NZ) (No Nay Never) and Group Three winners Gunstock (NZ) (Tavistock) and this week’s Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) favourite Noverre (NZ) (Savabeel).