Joe Pride’s emerging star Attica ($4) has overcome a tough barrier draw to land a thrilling victory in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes.
Ridden perfectly by Adam Hyeronimus, the lightly raced colt surged late to edge out favourite Shangri La Boy ($3.20F) by a short neck, with The Pearls ($21) finishing another 2½ lengths away in third. Longshot Tambeloa ($201) boxed on bravely for fourth after leading early.
The Godolphin-owned son of Lonhro only debuted in September but already boasts a Group 1 triumph at just his fourth start.
“Spring Champion is a very nice race, a group one, but there’s still a lot to be done with this horse,” Pride said.
Hyeronimus praised the colt’s determination, saying, “The final one hundred and fifty metres I had them covered and he was too strong late.”
Pride confirmed Attica will now spell before targeting the Randwick Guineas in the autumn.