Unbeaten King Of Light commanded market support and entered as the red-hot favourite, Michael Grantham’s Cosmic Crusader emerged triumphant in Saturday’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes at Ascot, becoming the seventh individual Group 1 victor for his sire. The victory marked Maurice’s third Australian Group 1 winner, with his progeny now conquering racing’s highest level across four different states.
Eastern states visitor Osipenko set the tempo entering the home straight, but Cosmic Crusader launched a powerful wide sweep under Clint Johnston-Porter’s guidance, claiming space vacated by the tiring Depth Of Character.
Taking the lead with 200 metres remaining, the 5-year-old gelding felt Watch Me Rock closing menacingly before digging determinedly to secure victory by a head, with Western Empire finishing nearly five lengths away in third.
Breeder Bob Peters was present to witness his homebred capture his first Group 1 success.
“It’s really good to see, makes you wonder what might have happened in the previous race,” he said. “He had an injury (in 2024) and I gave him the 12 months off to recover, and I think that was the making of him. He was a bit fine before, but he’s developed well and he’s a big, strong horse now.”
The triumph represented Peters’ inaugural Group 1 success with a Grantham-trained runner.
“Michael’s great,” Peters said. “He does what I ask him to do and everything goes pretty smoothly. Everyone works well together and it’s a very pleasant atmosphere there.”
Johnston-Porter’s victory delivered back-to-back Northerly Stakes victories, having previously guided Annabel and Rob Archibald’s Port Lockroy to success in the race.
“It’s always special winning your first Group 1, but the opportunities I get from Bob and Michael is quite special,” Johnston-Porter said. “(My) grandad passed away last night and I knew he was carrying me over the line.”
When asked if he felt Watch Me Run coming hard in the final furlong, he said, “I did, but that’s why I carried on so much after the line. He (Cosmic Crusader) just gritted his teeth – he just found something I didn’t know he had.”
