It was perhaps the most astute bit of riding by a jockey at Randwick.
Tommy Berry on the favourite ART CADEAU (Artie Schiller – Jewelled Gate) jump away well and when nothing wanted to lead, Berry chose to.
Which must have shocked the horse firstly, his connections and punters alike because Art cad eau had NEVER previously led in 10 race starts to date.
Today, in the $500,000 Country Championships Final over 1400m he did and it won him the race.
He is a warrior of a racehorse. His record shows it. Now with 11 runs to his name he has won 5 and been 2nd on six occasions so you just knew when he turned for home in front that he was going to be in the finish.
And he was, stamping himself with his style of racing as a Group horse heading onwards, staving off ANOTHER ONE ( Super One – Herewegoagain) who looks a potential Black Type horse in the making also. His run was outstanding travelling three wide all the way but coming with giant strides late.
The mare CHARMMEBABY (Charm Spirit – Lithe) who cost $14,000 in an online tried horse auction was 3rd. She was the widest runner down the straight, bobbed into 3rd on the line and picked up $49,500 for her new owners.
Berry, who started the day in sensational fashion winning two of the first three races and hoping he can win the Nathan Berry Medal for leading rider at The Championships, said “this win means a lot to me. It was like winning a Gr 1 race. So many good people in this horse.
“And, what a great job done by Terry Robinson, he kept the speed in his legs and I am so happy.”
You could see that as he crossed the line when he stood high in the irons and yelled out to Robinson in joy.
Art Cadeau, who was perfectly prepared for the race by Robinson who trains his horses on the beach in the south of NSW, has won $499,870 in prize money now….yep just $30 short of being a half millionaire.
“The delay of a week has helped me today. Nearly an 8 week break was a big effort by the horse. Things haven’t gone right but he is such a good racehorse,” added the trainer.
