Jockey Glen Boss has ridden his sixth Doncaster Mile winner with Kermadec making the most of a last-minute call-up to claim the $3 million race.
Kermadec was the last horse into the Doncaster field after he needed two scratchings to make the final 20 runners.
From the 200m there was never any doubt he was going to be the first one home as Boss produced the three-year-old between horses before surging away for a clear-cut victory.
Kermadec
It gave Chris Waller his fifth Doncaster triumph as Sydney’s premier trainer also figured in the placings with Royal Descent.
Japan’s George Ryder Stakes winner Real Impact split the stablemates in finishing second after being posted on a limb.
Boss was having his first ride on Kermadec but he said he knew in an instant he was on a winner.
“From the time I got on his back in the enclosure I was very confident,” Boss said.
“For a colt he was very brave. I was galloping where there was just no room.
“We were pushing through gaps but he was still able to pick up and sprint when I asked him.”
Royal Descent launched her claim down the centre to earn her second consecutive Doncaster placing while the Queenslander Rudy finished fourth, just in front of Pornichet.
Well-fancied Hallowed Crown was never a winning chance after racing well back and being forced to make his run deep on the home turn.
