3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes following the Group 3 Neds Classic won by Sunsets at Caulfield on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Sunsets (John Allen/Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young) - $16
2nd: Riff Rocket (James McDonald/Chris Waller) - $1.28F
3rd: Gates (Luke Nolen/Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman) - $26
Winning Time: 2:05.50 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: ½ Head x 2½L
"Over the top Brave Mead, too good!"
— 7HorseRacing (@7horseracing) October 21, 2023
Few nervous moments but Brave Mead pounced on them late. @cmaherracing @Austbloodstock pic.twitter.com/FezkWLE1gk
Winning Trainer: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
Did they think they were a chance to beat Riff Rocket: "We thought we've got to push forward from a wide gate but when Gold Bullion dIdn't lead I thought 'oh, we're going to be under pressure a log way out', but he stuck on and I thought we might be running second to it.
"Great ride by Johnny (Allen)."
Derby-bound: "He'll definitely get further. This is the most relaxed colt you'll come across. He goes to sleep in the stalls and gets here on race day and doesn't work himself up. He brings his A-game.
"Don't you love it when you've got a live Derby chance."
Winning Jockey: John Allen
"He was quick out of the gates. There wasn't a lot of speed in the race and the plan was to roll forward, hopefully sit outside of the leader and it panned out that way.
"There was no pressure. He always travelled comfortably. He gave a good kick on the corner.
"The runner-up was there to probably beat him in the home straight but over the last 100 (metres) he really toughed it out.
"Good win."
A Derby type: "He's definitely progressing in the right direction and he's got a good attitude which goes a long way for those races.
"He'll go there and give himself every chance."
