Global Goal too good in Flight Stakes

Global Goal has delivered trainer John Sargent another Group 1 victory after producing a powerful finish to win the Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.

Sent out at $3.30 with Australian Betting Sites, the three-year-old filly settled towards the rear of the small field under Dylan Gibbons as Queen’s Gamble was sent forward to establish the early lead.

Bangkok Hottie enjoyed a prominent run behind the leader while Global Goal was given time to find her feet before Gibbons began improving aboard the John Sargent-trained filly approaching the home turn.

Global Goal was brought to the outside in the straight and gradually wound into her work before powering over the top of her rivals late to defeat De Armas, with Bangkok Hottie holding third and Queen’s Gamble finishing fourth.

The victory handed Gibbons the third Group 1 win of his career, while Sargent celebrated his 12th success at the highest level.

Gibbons said the Flight Stakes had been the target for Global Goal throughout her preparation.

“Huge credit to John and the owners, they’ve stuck solid the whole way through,” Gibbons said.

“She arguably could have won early in the prep, but everything was about this Flight Stakes today.”

Gibbons said he was prepared to ask Global Goal for her effort earlier than usual after enjoying the right run in transit.

“Normally don’t like getting at them that early, but I thought today’s the day,” he said.

“She’s just a little ripper because that last 200, not many horses can dig deep and win, but when I could feel she wanted it and I wanted it, I thought, ‘I’m going to take some beating now.’

“She’s a little ripper.”

The step to 1600m had been expected to suit Global Goal, with Sargent confident before the race that the filly was ready to produce a strong performance.

“She should hit the line strong. She’s bred to get the trip and seems to have trained well,” Sargent said before the race.

“I’m very happy with her and she goes in here in top order.”

Gibbons believes Global Goal could ultimately be suited over even further than the Randwick mile.

“After today, I think we need a bit further,” he said.

“She’s small in stature, but her heart fills her out. Whatever John and the team want to aim her at, she’s just a perfect little racehorse.

“She does what you want, gives you 110 per cent every time, so wherever they go, I’ll be there.”

Global Goal returned $3.30 for the win, with De Armas finishing second and Bangkok Hottie third.