Danas Best has rewarded punters who swooped late in Australia Day Cup betting but the race will be his last in this country after a second bleeding attack.
The five-year-old was found to be bleeding from both nostrils when he got back to the stalls, incurring a lifetime ban in Australia.
Danas Best
Some other horses barred in Australia have raced successfully in the United States where the anti-bleeding medication Lasix is permitted.
Danas Best was backed from $4.20 to $3 favourite in the 2400m Listed feature and always had the race in his keeping.
Tommy Berry said he tried to step up the pace on Danas Best mid-race but it didn’t matter with the winning margin 4-1/4 lengths over Permit ($16).
Oriental Lady ($4.40), the $3.20 favourite when betting opened, was another long neck away in third.
“He got his own way in front,” Berry said.
“On four occasions in the race I had to try to get him to go quicker.
“And it’s great to get a winner for Gai. It’s been a while.”
Danas Best first bled during trackwork in February last year.
