Scream Machine has earned himself a shot at the Queensland Derby with a strong staying display at Rosehill on Saturday.
The Jason Coyle-trained three-year-old was backed from $13 to $8.50 and was ridden by two-kilo claiming apprentice Adam Hyeronimus.
The Jason Coyle-trained three-year-old was backed from $13 to $8.50 and was ridden by two-kilo claiming apprentice Adam Hyeronimus - Photo by Steve Hart
Scream Machine chased down Fortunefivehundred ($26) to win the Evans And Partners Handicap (2000m) by a length with favourite Lucripetous ($2.70) a neck away third.
The two placegetters are also set for a rematch with Scream Machine in the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 9.
“Stepping up to 2000 metres today was going to be ideal and in two weeks we’ll think about taking him up for the Derby,” Coyle said.
“He looks like that sort of horse. I think he still had a bit of freshness in his legs today so hopefully that will knock it out of him and the step up to 2400 metres will be no dramas at all.”
Scream Machine settled midfield on the fence with Rockafellacentre taking up the running.
When an inside opening appeared jockey Robert Thompson got going on Fortunefivehundred from the 600 metre mark and went for home.
Hyeronimus and Scream Machine followed through on the inside and the son of Excites’ went on to record his second win at his eighth start.
“I said to Adam the main thing with this horse is getting him to relax and every time Adam has been on his back he’s ridden him a treat,” Coyle said.
Anthony Cummings confirmed Fortunefivehundred would also be paid up for the Derby on the back of his second.
“It was the right thing for Robert to do to go when he did when the run presented itself, but in some respects it might have also cost him the race as he had to make a long sustained run having had a month between runs,” Cummings said.
“I think he’s up to the standard (of the Derby).”
Lucripetous was at the back of the field and made a wide run, sticking to his task in the straight.
“He’s got no tactical speed and it’s going to cause problems, but he’s got to go to the Derby on that run,” trainer Chris Waller said.
