Rachel Hunt was dislodged as Monsieur Sisu made his way to the gates at Canterbury but hung tough when it mattered to secure a coveted city win for Paul Cave.
By breaking his maiden at the third attempt, the at-times temperamental gelding got small-scale Warwick Farm trainer Cave off the mark in Sydney this season.
Apprentice Hunt also had plenty to celebrate, saluting in town for the fourth time in 2017-18 after Monsieur Sisu claimed the TAB.com.au Handicap (1550m).
Hunt brushed off the minor topple from the fractious three-year-old.
“I’ve known this horse for a long time. He’s one of my favourites, he’s just got a few little quirks,” she said.
Monsieur Sisu ($3.90) had no issues once he jumped and finished strong to hold off $2.40 favourite I’m A Legend by a short neck.
Nautibernie ($4.80) was a short head third.
Hunt was rapt to get another metropolitan win.
I’ve been in the city a little bit now, I just have to get that roll,” she said.
“This time of year is perfect when some of the bigger boys are going to the other states.”
Hunt thought Monsieur Sisu would eventually step up to 2000m and beyond, a view shared by Cave’s wife Martha.
“He looks like he’s going to get over a bit of ground definitely,” she said.
“It’s great to get a city winner. It’s a boutique stable, we’ve only got about 10 in work.
“We’re only racing every know and then. Paul places them well and we do the best we can.”
Peter and Paul Snowden were pleased Misteed ($3.80) also broke her maiden in the All Too Hard@Vinery Handicap (1250m) after she was blocked for a run in her two previous Canterbury starts.
“She’s never been in the position to stick her head out and win,” Paul Snowden said.
The two-year-old benefited from a smart ride from Kerrin McEvoy who hugged the rail before pushing through a gap to overhaul Ljungberg ($3.90).
