Terry Robinson has produced a training masterstroke to clinch the $500,000 Country Championships Final at Randwick with Art Cadeau at the horse’s first start in almost two months.
Robinson admitted it had been a balancing act to keep the gelding in top order since his victory in a Goulburn qualifier in February and said it was testament to the four-year-old’s ability that he got the job done.
“It was nearly an eight-week break, it was a big effort by the horse,” Robinson said.
“There were a few concerns with him this prep, things haven’t gone exactly to plan but full credit to the horse. He is just a lovely horse.
“He drew the right alley today, had the best rider on so it all worked out good.”
Winning jockey Tommy Berry has been an important part of Art Cadeau’s build up, partnering the horse at his past five starts.
With a lack of obvious speed on paper, Berry took up the running and Art Cadeau ($3.30 fav) kicked strongly to hold out Another One ($10) by a half-length with Charmmebaby ($13) making good ground another 1-1/2 lengths away.
The victory gave Berry an early double after he took out the Carbine Club Stakes on Kiku and he was thrilled to get the verdict for Art Cadeau’s connections.
“It is like riding a Group One winner. There are so many good people in this horse,” Berry said.
“These guys don’t get this opportunity very often. I get it a lot but to do it for people like this, I come from a (racing) family, my father raced horses around the country and provincial area for most of his career, these are the guys I was brought up with, this is what it’s all about.”
Robinson confirmed he was keen to target Art Cadeau at The Kosciuszko in the spring.
