The Mick Price-trained Lankan Rupee has announced his arrival as the latest sprinting star of Australian racing with a clear-cut Newmarket Handicap win at Flemington.
One of two runners in the $1 million Group One race for Price, Lankan Rupee raced away under jockey Chad Schofield to beat Spirit Of Boom and Knoydart on Saturday.
Lankan Rupee - Photo by Sarah Ebbett
Schofield had Lankan Rupee stalking the speed before asking the four-year-old to make his bid at the 200m.
From there the result was never in doubt with Lankan Rupee having 2-1/4 lengths to spare as he completed the Oakleigh Plate-Newmarket Handicap double.
“I’m just really pleased that in the toughest sprint in Australia, he’s found sixth gear and blasted away,” Price said.
Schofield added the Newmarket win to his Cox Plate victory after stepping aside to consider his future as trainer David Hayes’s stable jockey.
Lankan Rupee, set to be given a shot at the $2.5 million TJ Smith Stakes in Sydney next month, scored as a $6 chance with Spirit Of Boom starting at $15 and Knoydart filling the minor placing at $10.
