Unheralded three-year-old Regal Award has booked a berth in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap and delivered his trainer-jockey combination of Phillip Stokes and Lachie Neindorf a black-type double with a courageous win in the Fred Best Classic at Eagle Farm.
Starting at $18, the gelding turned the tables on his Hawkesbury Guineas conqueror Skyhook ($6), popping out approaching the home turn to pressure the leaders and sustaining his effort right to the line to score by a length over that horse, filly Within The Law ($13) flashing home for an eye-catching third.
“That was very rewarding. We’ve always known this horse has had a lot of ability, but he’s been very frustrating and hard to train,” said Stokes, who 35 minutes earlier teamed with Neindorf to capture the Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) with Athanatos.
“We were feeling good. His work has been really good. The horse is thriving up here, and it was just great for him to bring his A-game. Let’s hope he pulls up well.”
The winner of the Fred Best Classic (1400m) earns a ballot exemption from the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) and Stokes confirmed the Queensland feature was their goal.
However, Regal Award will need a new jockey with his 49.5kg handicap outside Neindorf’s range.
“I might need to strap him,” Neindorf said.
“I will give him a good luck pat and tell him to behave himself whoever does ride him, but regardless, I’ll be cheering him home.
“Great training effort by Phil and the team once again.
“Phil has taken his time, he’s travelled him around and as a result of that, he has mentally calmed down and matured.
“He’s a horse I know so well and I was able to find a beautiful rhythm with him. Approaching the 700 he wanted to get a little bit keen, and I had to flush him out three-wide. I know he’s got that much stamina this horse and that’s his biggest asset.”
Neindorf hadn’t ridden a winner at Eagle Farm until Saturday and said it was “unbelievable” to get on the board with a Group race double.
Regal Award was elevated to the second line of Stradbroke Handicap betting at $11 shortly after Saturday’s win.
