The race, worth $160,000 was taken out by Tommy Berry and OUTRAGEOUS (All Too Hard-Fit And Ready) who sat just off the Irithea and proved simply too tough down the running to hold out ROYAL CELEBRATION (Excelebration-Crimson Code) and a three way photo for third with the bob going to EVALINA (I Am Invincible-Tahnee Topaz).
The win by Outrageous was his 5th from 29 starts and became a milestone for his legion of owners.
They all got together four years ago and paid $460,000 for him as a yearling.
Before the start of the day the horse had earned $470,980 in prizemoney.
When you factor in his upkeep for those four years would have come to around another $140,000, he owes them.
After Saturday’s win, his 2nd on the bounce, he has become the one to beat in the upcoming $250,000 Villiers at Gr 2 level at Randwick on 13 December.
His win here earned his owners a further $83,000 and although still just behind breaking square, he has a genuine chance now to get them all in the black.
The Festival was 1500m and he was strong. “I told Tommy Berry to sit and wait as long as he could, and he did that well,” said Michael Hawkes.
The Villiers is over 1600m and the way he races these days, up on speed and now with a solid kick, that makes him a big player.
By contrast, runner-up here Royal Celebration has become the apple of his owner’s eyes.
He cost just $35,000 at the Inglis Classic sale also four years ago and he has won now $463,200. He doesn’t owe his connections a coin and the way he stormed the fortresses late he looks to really appreciate the upcoming 1600m of the Villiers Stakes.
“He did a bit of work early to be fair, but Tommy (Berry) gave him a good ride.
“He’s taken a bit of time to come to hand but he’s hitting his straps now and it’s another Group winner for his sure, All Too Hard,” said co-trainer Michael Hawkes after the win.
“The breed often take a bit of time but he’s there now.”
Bring on the Villiers.
