Flamberge has created a metric weight-carrying record in taking out the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.
Lumping 58kg, Flamberge became the first horse to carry more than 57kg to victory in the time-honoured sprint since metric weights were introduced in 1973.
Flamberge
Ridden by Damian Lane, Flamberge ($31) overcame a wide draw in holding off a fast-finishing Fell Swoop ($14) by a short half-head with the well-supported $3.70 favourite Heatherly three quarters of a length away third.
The win on Saturday was Flamberge’s second Group One victory having won The Goodwood at Morphettville last May, also from a wide draw.
After scratchings Flamberge jumped from barrier 15, a better result than the widest gate he began from when fifth in the Oakleigh Plate two years ago.
Racing Victoria chairman David Moodie, whose Contract Racing Syndicate races the gelding, was surprised by the victory.
“I’m struggling to believe it,” Moodie said.
“Sitting four-wide and with 58 (kilograms). To do that under those conditions and circumstances is quite extraordinary.”
Moodie said Flamberge has struggled in weight-for-age company previously and suggested the Newmarket Handicap on March 12 may be the next assignment for the six-year-old.
However trainer Peter Moody suggested The Galaxy at Rosehill on March 19 may be a better option.
“The Galaxy in Sydney could be more suitable and he’s won at Rosehill over 1100 metres before,” Moody said.
Lane said the solid pace set by Heatherly suited Flamberge and he wasn’t concerned when the filly, who had been backed from $4.60 into $3.70, skipped clear on the turn.
“I thought I had her covered but I was wary of one coming off my back,” Lane said.
Glyn Schofield, rider of the runner-up, checked the stewards’ film when he returned to weigh in.
“I thought the winner might have just rolled out on the corner and taken me a little bit wider, but he didn’t,” Schofield said.
