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The Steven Burridge-trained Boundless Glory franked his steady climb to the top with a most unlikely win at the expense of some of the best sprinters in the land on Sunday.
An honest bread-and-butter Class 4 galloper about a year ago, the King’s Chapel six-year-old has improved out of sight with four wins this year to the point he was now facing his biggest test against big guns such as Mr Big, Goal Keeper and Huka Falls in the $125,000 Goodwill Stakes Open race (1200m). But under a forceful ride from Brazilian jockey Vagner Leal, Boundless Glory unleashed a blinding turn of foot inside the last furlong to spring an $109 upset to just nose out Huka Falls on the line.
After dictating terms from the word “go”, Huka Falls looked home and hosed for new partner A’Isisuhairi Kasim when he pinched a winning break at the home turn. Trainer Laurie Laxon’s chestnut was staving off Goal Keeper (Danny Beasley) and Mr Big (Manoel Nunes) quite comfortably until Boundless Glory, who had raced midfield on the rails all along, started to put in the big strides at the 200m.
Huka Falls fought on bravely, but Leal pulled out all the stops and Boundless Glory lunged late to get the verdict in a photo finish. Goal Keeper, who had every chance after tracking up Huka Falls right through the race, did not ping when required to run third another 2 ¼ lengths away.
Raced by the Omni Stable, Boundless Glory has now registered nine wins from 39 starts for stakes earnings inching close to the $520,000 mark.
Burridge said he was hopeful his ward could measure up in such lofty company, but thought a win would have been a stretch.
“He couldn’t get out of Class 4 a year ago, but he’s kept improving and he really tries his heart out in every race,” said the Australian mentor.
“I knew it was a tough field with horses like Mr Big and Huka Falls today, but I thought ‘hang on, maybe we have a chance here’, when I saw him about five lengths off the lead and travelling so well.
“When they stopped, he started to wind up and he just got there. He really is all heart.
“He may have beaten some good horses today, but I don’t have any big plans for him. Just find a similar type of race for him and hope to get a few more wins out of him.”
Leal said he knew he had won even if the margin was too close to call for some.
“I knew he won. He was finishing very well,” said the Brazilian jockey who has yet to master English very well.
“Winning on Gold Cup day is nice. It’s a big day. I’m very happy.”
His smile actually got broader in the next race as he went on to ride a race-to-race double aboard Peaceful Warrior ($28) in the $95,000 Benevolent Stakes, Open Benchmark 83 race over 1200m.
Again, Leal showcased his strong finishing skills by lifting the Bel Esprit six-year-old late to beat Super Kenny (Barend Vorster) by a head in the last stride to bring his current score to four wins from 32 rides.
