Trainer Ciaron Maher has lauded the performances of the pair of runners that delivered a captivating conclusion to the Australian Cup at Flemington.
Maher saddled up the quinella in the Group 1 2000m event as Light Infantry Man stuck his nose out right on the line ahead of popular choice Pride Of Jenni on Saturday.
Pride Of Jenni assumed her usual front-running position and seemed vulnerable when the $2.50 favourite drew alongside her with 400m remaining.
Just as he appeared set to claim victory, Pride Of Jenni rallied to regain command before Light Infantry Man reappeared in contention.
In an exciting final 100m, Light Infantry Man ($21) with Harry Coffey aboard lunged his nose down to triumph by the barest margin from Pride Of Jenni ($11) while Apulia ($13) finished a length further back in third.
Birdman faded late to end up fifth, three lengths adrift of the victor.
Trainer Ciaron Maher described Light Infantry Man as a distinctive horse requiring a specific riding style.
He noted that usual jockey Ethan Brown, presently suspended, knows exactly how to handle the gelding and shared that knowledge with Coffey.
“This horse, he’s a unique horse, in the way he has to be ridden,” Maher said.
“Browny understands him well and I asked him to pass on some of that information last start and Harry didn’t really get it until he had finished the race.
He rode him perfect today. The start is very important for him. He blasted him straight out of the gates.
I don’t know who I’m more proud of, the winner or the second horse.”
Maher had pondered heading to Sydney for the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday, but figured with Pride Of Jenni contesting the Australian Cup it would ensure a genuine tempo.
Pride Of Jenni dictated a solid tempo during last year’s Australian Cup which played into Light Infantry Man’s strengths, just as it did once more on Saturday.
“Two of his best wins are when he’s raced her,” Maher said.
“It’s such a shame for Jenni to run second again.
I know for (owner) Tony (Ottobre), it’s a race he holds very dear to his heart. He strapped back in the day a horse for (Colin) Hayes.
It’s still a race that’s eluded her, but she’s racing in great heart, and you never know, we may be back here with her next year. She was phenomenal.
I thought it was going to be a spectacular race and to be fighting it out with two of your own, it’s pretty cool.”
After piloting Light Infantry Man to fourth in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, gaining valuable details on the gelding, Coffey received a further text from Brown on Saturday morning.
“This is his horse and he’s been so open and transparent in how to ride him,” Coffey said.
“He sent me a text this morning saying ‘I see it is going to be pretty wet, make sure you give him a nice warm up to the gates to let him know how open that track is. He’s a smart horse, and he’ll come to the conditions, but you have to let him know’.
“So, thank you Browny.”
Declan Bates, rider of Pride Of Jenni, called the mare a fighter.
“I don’t think I have ever asked of a horse what I asked of her today,” Bates said.
“I really asked her to extend quite early and she responded so gallantly.
“Frustrating not to win, obviously, but I am delighted for Harry, and I’m really happy with my horse.”
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