3 minute read

Trainer and jockey quotes following the Listed Neds Lord Stakes taken out by Defibrillate at Caulfield on Saturday.

Race Result:

1st: Defibrillate (P Payne/T Hope) - $31
2nd: Paradee (D O'Brien/J Kah) - $4
3rd: Pancho (C Waller/Craig Williams) - $12

Winning Time: 1:43.12 Last 600m: N/A

Margins: ½L x ½ Neck

Defibrillate storms over the top of them and takes out the Listed Lord Stakes at $35! @chookahope @MelbRacingClub

— Racing.com (@Racing) December 26, 2020

Winning Jockey: Tahlia Hope

First black type success: "That's my first listed winner. It's a massive thrill. This horse, he's just a pleasure to do anything with even at the farm.
"Oh wow… still can't believe it."

Journey since recovery: "With my time off I got quite heavy and I didn't think I'd be coming back. A few people are still quite shocked. A lot of credit has to go to my family and obviously my master, Patrick Payne, and the support he's given to me throughout all this time.

"If you asked me 18 months ago I'd probably have said that I'd never stand here again. It's a massive credit to the team back home. We work very hard so it's good to get the rewards."

On the horse: "His first-up run at Pakenham, I thought that was a great run. He was really hitting the line strongly late. So today I was confident but still knowing that he does need more ground. In his work we had seen that he'd come on well and tightened up.

"He travelled quite keen through the race which I didn't think he would. I still thought he'd pop out the back and make one run. When he travelled up behind them he was ready to go through the gap."

Other Trainers: Mick Price on fourth-placed favourite Tavidance

"Too far back in a sit-and-sprint. Being the widest horse, the winner got up on the fence, he just wasn't quite there on the day for us but sometimes awkward gates cause awkward rides. Damien said 'had I gone to the fence I win but I didn't want to get blocked in and held up'."

** FLEMINGTON - NEW YEAR'S DAY **

Phillip Stokes on Defiant Dancer heading to Standish Handicap: 

"He looks great. Down the straight? I'm not sure (about him yet) but he has come on beautifully and he will definitely take his place.

"He doesn't need a lot of work, we'll just one gallop going into it on Tuesday and that's all he needs.

"He did surprise me a bit last start. He's always shown a bit of talent but I think keeping him back to 1200 metres might be the secret to him."

Maddie Raymond on Wentwood heading to Bagot Handicap: 

"At this stage he has come through his last run really well and he'll do a bit of work on Tuesday which will determine whether we do go to the Bagot. We're planning on it.

Step up in grade: "It is, but also it's a step up in trip and we lose Damian (Lane), he's going on holidays and I think he plays a huge role in the success with this horse. We'll just play it by ear. He'll have to work really well so we're 100 per-cent confident to head there. Otherwise we might wait and maybe have a crack in Tassie in the Hobart and Launceston Cups.

Change of rider: "He's not an easy horse to ride but at this stage Johnny Allen will ride him. He's obviously a fantastic rider as well and he's got on him quite a few times. The horse has definitely improved since he rode him so if anyone could get the best out of Wentwood, it'll be him."

Flemington win aftermath: "We were straight back into it. There's not too much time for celebrating when you're in a small team and you've got to do the work. We're still enjoying it now and we're just working through it.

"He's a horse that I probably don't have a whole lot of confidence in heading to the races due to his manners. If it doesn't work out his way and if he doesn't relax then it'll undo him pretty quickly. As much as we knew we had him in terrific order, he was so well, he was bright, he was fit and he was ready to go. Even if he drew an inside barrier it would have been a completely different outcome. He's a horse that you don't get too ahead of yourself with."

Jo Taylor on Miyake heading to Bagot Handicap: 

"He's come on really well since the win at Flemington. He's thrived after a couple of days at the beach and has come back in good order and everything is on track for Friday."

Stepping up to black type company this time: "We've always thought quite highly of him and it has just taken him a while to really come into his own. But especially over those staying trips he looks ready to take that next step."