Luke Watson with connections of Flojos Gold at the presentation on Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series Finals night.
South Merbein trainer Ian Watson and son reinsman Luke made the long trip south worthwhile by taking out the Group 1 Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series final for two-year-old fillies at Melton on Saturday night.
“I usually sit at home and watch these races on telly. To win it is just an absolute miracle to me,” declared Luke after steering well-bred Flojos Gold to victory in the 2240-metre event.
At odds of over 50-1, Flojos Gold – by Mach Three out of former smart race mare Jasper Jo – made it three wins from four career starts by upstaging hot favourite Soho Madeleine for Belinda and Luke McCarthy by a head in a mile rate of two minutes.
“I thought she could run a good race if she landed like she did. If you had have told me we’d land behind the leader then I’d say we’d end up in the top few,” the winner’s driver said shortly after the race when asked about his thoughts going in.
“It definitely makes up for all those ones you think were good enough but might have had a little bit of bad luck here or there not to win a Group 1. It’s definitely a great thrill.”
Rocknroll Magic ran third for Emma Stewart and Gavin Lang, while Just Wantano was fourth for Kevin Brough and Michael Bellman.
Luke Watson said the filly had only travelled down to Melton in the hours leading up to the race.
“We arrived a couple of hours before we had to be here … with the babies we always reckon they’re best off at home in their own environment until they have to leave and I think it’s paid dividends,” he said.
“I knew this filly got out pretty quick, we just wanted to come out early and find a spot. To end up where we did was probably just good luck more than good management.”
VIDEO
Re-live Flojos Gold winning the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series Final
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