Many doubted that the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained gelding Ellsberg ($3.30F) could see out the 1800m of the $2 million Five Diamonds at Rosehill Gardens today, but the five-year-old proved too strong to hold off Sibaaq ($16) by a short head with Laws Of Indices ($3.80) a length and a quarter back in third place.
The Spill The Beans progeny has put together an impressive campaign this time in winning the Group 1 Epsom three back, before saluting in the Five Diamonds Prelude and now today’s victory which takes his earnings over the $3.3 million mark.
Co-trainer Alexiou was confident his charger could handle the step-up in journey.
“I’m tickled pink for the horse,” Alexiou said.
“Obviously there was a few doubters today, but we always had a bit of a gut feeling he’d run it.
“I thought it was a solid gallop and he sustained a bit of pressure and was strong enough late.
“He’s really stepping up this preparation. We always thought he’s been a handy horse but obviously he’s gone to a new level.”
Ellsberg was responsible for bringing Alexiou his first Group 1 success in the Epsom, and he is loving his time alongside co-trainer Ryan.
“I think we both get a personal kick out of it. Enjoying success with each other, the stable is going great guns at the minute. I’m just thrilled for everyone.”
Having his first steer on the now nine-time winner, jockey Tommy Berry was confident a long way out.
“Geez, I had it won after a furlong,” Berry said.
“He just got in such a lovely rhythm for me, he quickened right at the right time before the corner. I thought I would try and get a few of them off the bit.
“It shows how tough he is, we could have gone another furlong and he would’ve held that second horse off.
“1800m is probably not his trip but his quality got him over the line.
“Gerald said to me maybe ten years ago ‘you’ll ride a Group 1 winner for me one day’. It’s not a Group 1 Gerald but it’s getting close.”
