3 minute read

Annabel Neasham has set her sights on the Golden Rose for Randwick winner Verne.

Brodie Loy has made the most of a rare opportunity in town, answering a call from Annabel Neasham to land a narrow victory aboard Verne in the opening race at Randwick. 

In a thrilling two-horse duel, Verne ranged up to race leader In The Congo and the pair went toe-to-toe with In The Congo kicking strongly as the pair drove to the line. 

Chasing his first metropolitan win of the season, Loy admitted he thought Brenton Avdulla on In The Congo had won. 

"I went past the line and actually gave Avdulla a bit of a spray," Loy said. 

"I said, 'you could have let me win, I think I need it more than you'." 

In a deceptive finish, Verne ($3.30 fav) got his head down when it mattered to take out Saturday's Fujitsu General Handicap (1200m) by a nose over In The Congo ($4.80) with Park Avenue  ($6.50) another 2-1/4 lengths away. 

Loy mainly rides on the provincial and country circuit and relinquished mounts at Newcastle to snap up the opportunity on Verne. 

He and Neasham have enjoyed a great association since she took out her trainers' license at the start of the season. 

"I actually rode her first three winners as a trainer," Loy said. 

"Her first three runners were winners, so we've had a great partnership and I'm just so thankful for the opportunity." 

Neasham, who was in Brisbane to watch Zaaki in the Q22, said she had always had a good opinion of Verne and planned to aim him towards the Group 1 Golden Rose in the spring. 

"We have the time to get him on the Golden Rose path," Neasham said. 

"He won't have too long out, he will probably have about three weeks. 

"The owners have a very nice colt on their hands."