The Group 1 $2 million Victoria Derby (2500m) next Saturday at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival could be on the cards for the airborne Anthony Cummings-trained El Castello following his impressive win in Saturday’s Spring Champion Stakes 2024 results in Sydney.
The Group 1 $2 million Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) headlined the Randwick racing action of the weekend and was won by the deserving, in-form favourite El Castello who saluted for the punters in style off a gun run in transit to make it four on the trot.
Both trainer Anthony Cummings and jockey Josh Parr celebrated their third victories in the Spring Champion Stakes, but it was the first time they combined to claim the three-year-old staying feature.
“I’ll be at Flemington on Derby Day. So if he’s there, I’ll be on him, that’s for sure. This is fantastic,” Parr told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
Parr got the well-backed colt to switch off beautifully in second throughout the run getting a dream go on the last start Group 3 Gloaming Stakes champ.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy spiced things up around the 800m injecting pace and putting pressure on the pack when coming round to lead on Flying Argento.
Parr never panicked and El Castello adapted well showing his class to chime in three wide on the straight and move up to lead inside the 300m.
The progressive Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Dundeel colt Henlein went with the favourite and those two broke clear to fight it out over the final furlong.
In the end however El Castello ($3F) outstayed and outmuscled his rivals lifting late to fend off Henlein ($5) and salute in style ahead of a potential quick back-up into the VRC Derby field down south.
“He’s just a very good horse,” Cummings said after the win.
“The preparation went perfectly, everything worked out.
“He turned up the best horse today and I still think he improves again.
“It’s a dumb thing to say, I know, but if I had to pick fault today, he’s maybe half a run short but today’s race into next week, he’ll be fine. All to say, we’re in good shape.”
Rounding out the Spring Champion Stakes trifecta in an eye-catching late flash for third was the horse that looked slick in the yard, Firm Agreement ($21), with the son of former The Everest winner Yes Yes Yes having also placed third in the Gloaming.
El Castello went on with the job and became the second horse in three years to complete the Gloaming Stakes – Spring Champion double following Sharp ‘N’ Smart (2022).
Ace High (2017) was the last horse to complete the interstate Spring Champion Stakes – Victoria Derby double.
All-in 2024 Victoria Derby odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au have El Castello as the $4 favourite over earlier Moonee Valley Vase winner in Melbourne Red Aces.
“Standing here today, the decision is yes,” Cummings said of the Derby bid.
“But we’ve got to get him home and make sure that he’s OK and tick a fair few boxes before we do that.
“But that was the plan. The preparation was set up so that today’s race would give him the step to go to the Derby. Looks like that will happen.”
Spring Champion Stakes 2024 Odds & Results
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1st
1. El Castello (7)
J: Josh Parr 56.5kg
T: Anthony Cummings |
||
|
2nd
3. Henlein (1)
J: Tommy Berry 56.5kg
T: A & S Freedman |
||
|
3rd
4. Firm Agreement (9)
J: Tom Sherry 56.5kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
|
4th
8. Harlem Queen (6)
J: Sam Clipperton 54.5kg
T: Nathan Doyle |
||
|
5th
10. Pleasure Artist (4)
J: Jason Collett 54.5kg
T: R & W Freedman |
||
|
6th
2. Swiftfalcon (10)
J: Jay Ford 56.5kg
T: M, W & J Hawkes |
||
|
7th
9. Rag Queen (5)
J: Chad Schofield 54.5kg
T: David Payne |
||
|
8th
11. Noises (8)
J: Andrew Adkins 54.5kg
T: Brad Widdup |
||
|
9th
7. Flying Argento (2)
J: Zac Lloyd 56.5kg
T: Gary Portelli |
||
|
10th
6. Due Calzini (3)
J: Kerrin McEvoy 56.5kg
T: Danielle Seib |
Data retrieved: 22/11/2024 02:25:31 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
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Race comments
SWIFTFALCON (2) exciting gelding who got too far out of his ground when running on late to secure second in the G3 Gloaming Stakes over 1800m at Rosehill on October 12. Primed now fourth up over 2000m and will appreciate the roomier Randwick track. The one to beat. EL CASTELLO (1) has gone to a new level this prep and chasing his fourth straight win. Sat just off the good tempo and asserted his authority late when a tough winner in the G3 Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill over 1800m at latest. The 2000m shouldn't pose a problem and he's sure to be thereabouts again. HENLEIN (3) snagged back from the poor draw and failed to get into the contest when a plugging sixth in the G3 Gloaming Stakes. Up to his preferred trip now and the visors go on for the first time. Sure to be strong late. HARLEM QUEEN (8) progressive Brutal filly who jumped sharply in grade when a gritty second over 1600m in the G1 Flight Stakes here on October 5. Can take a hand in the finish. The chances don't end there.