The Ciaron Maher-prepared Royal Supremacy ($7.50) could be on a Melbourne Cup path following a strong win in the Group 1 $750,000 Metropolitan at Royal Randwick.
In a stirring go, the five-year-old gelding held off race favourite Soul Of Spain ($4.80F) by 3/4 of a length. Stablemate to the winner Juja Kibo ($19) was just a short neck back in third on a quick seven-day back-up.
Steered by Melbourne Cup winning hoop Robbie Dolan, the son of European sire Make Believe could be giving his rider a chance at back-to-back Cups with Maher believing that would be the natural path.
“He just gets better with each run,” Maher said.
“He used to be a little bit aggressive in his races but with each race he’s starting to relax a little bit better.
“That’s what I said to Robbie, it’s just about getting the first half right and hopefully the second half will take care of itself.
“He’ll probably go to the Melbourne Cup I would imagine. He did a mile and a half quite well, so we’ll see if he can do two.”
Jockey Dolan, who is also known for his stint on the TV show The Voice, explained how difficult it was getting down to the riding weight of 50kg.
“It’s tough getting to 50kg when you’re nearly 30 years old,” Dolan said.
“It wasn’t easy especially when you’re all over the place singing like I am.”
“I’m pretty sure the owners rang and said if I win I have to sing for them, so I might have signed up for a bit more.”
With his Melbourne Cup winning mount Knight’s Choice ruled out of defending this year’s version due to an outbreak of strangles at the stable, Dolan was grateful to possibly have another throw at the 3200m staying test.
“It’s funny how things work out. That little horse (Knight’s Choice) owes us nothing and his welfare is number one and he’ll be fighting fit going for it next year.”
Royal Supremacy currently sits at the $26 quote in future’s markets for the Melbourne Cup.
