AJC Derby winner Nom Du Jeu proved at Te Rapa on Friday that he is more than an exciting stayer with a stunning first-up win over 1400 metres.

His jockey Noel Harris predicted he could win the Doncaster Handicap over 1600m at Randwick next autumn after he guided the son of dual GI winner Prized Gem to a one length win.

However his immdiate aim is the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) at Hastings on October 4 before his Melbourne options are resolved.

He holds nominations for the $2.5 million BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on October 18, the $3 million Tatt's Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley a week later and the $5.5 million Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4.

"Last year he was untapped and a bit fragile, but he's come back a more mature and stronger horse this time," said Harris.

"He used to get back last year and it makes it hard for a horse because you've got to have luck in the running on your side.

"Today he didn't pull at all, but he was happy to be handy. He gave me a great feeling.

"When they can race handy like that it's such a bonus. He's not just a stayer.

"A race like the Doncaster could suit him."

Nom Du Jeu did win his debut as a juvenile over 1200 metres, but that was on a heavy track at Pukekohe.

Today was the first time he had started under 1600 metres since that debut performance and it wasn't a case of taking on an ordinary lineup.

The opposition included the Hong Kong Derby winner Izzat (formerly Vital King) and two other Gr I winners, Gaze and Magic Cape, as well as the good sprinters Pindy, Ginga Dude, Antipodean and Shariat's On Fire.

Harris had him perfectly settled in fourth on the fence in the early stages and third with 800 metres to run. It was obvious before the home turn that Nom Du Jeu was the horse to beat.

When angled out to challenge Nom Du Jeu ambled up and got to the front easily.

"He gawked a bit when he got to the front and could have won by a lot more," said Harris.

"He's going to be a big chance in the Stoney Bridge and the Kelt."

Harris won the first leg of the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown, the Mudgway Partsworld Stakes, on Fritzy Boy, filling in for regular rider Brian Hibberd, who was suspended.

下個目標

He will be aboard Nom Du Jeu in both the $250,000 Stoney Bridge Stakes (1600m) and the Kelt Capital Stakes but Jeff Lloyd, the horse's Sydney rider, has first option on the Melbourne spring carnival rides.


[ 本帖最後由 S.WEEK 於 6/9/2008 10:28 AM 編輯 ]