Trainer Tony Vasil had mixed feelings after stablemates Veewap and The Wingman landed the quinella in the Tony Bedison Cup at Moonee Valley.
Ridden by Craig Newitt, Veewap ($11) posted his first win in more than a year when he came with late burst to gun down The Wingman ($6), ridden by Peter Mertens, in Saturday’s 1600m event.
The official margin was a half length but Vasil said a dead heat would have been appropriate.
“It is an awkward position to be in,” Vasil said.
“I wish they’d have dead-heated.
“Both gangs of owners are good people and I don’t enjoy clashing horses.
“If it is a Group One race it is a different story but when it is a Saturday race at the Valley it is always uncomfortable having two in the one race and both good chances.”
Newitt said Veewap got the breaks at the right time to win.
“Down the side I was back on the rail in an awkward spot and I would have had to have conceded a bit of ground to get to the outside so I rode him for a bit of luck,” Newitt said.
“Everything split open and I was able to peel off the leader’s (Jungle Ruler’s) back turning for home and he was really good late.
“I am pretty confident he can run a bit further too.”
Vasil said The Wingman was “a model of consistency” pretty much all his career and he thought he was home when got clear in the straight.
However he conceded Veewap was a deserving winner after being luckless in a number of races since his last win at Bendigo in October last year.
His Moonee Valley success was his eighth win from 33 starts.
AAP TURF
