Luke Cartwright marked a significant career achievement by partnering with Wise Inlaw to secure victory in the $175,000 A R Creswick Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Victoria’s premier metropolitan apprentice rider clinched his maiden Stakes success aboard the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained gelding in the Listed race.
This marked Cartwright’s 43rd Black Type appearance, including eight Group 1 contests, one of which was a narrow second place with Extragalactic in this year’s The Goodwood. He expressed his delight at finally achieving a Stakes victory.
“It’s just a bit of a weight off my shoulders,” Cartwright stated.
“It’s made me a lot more determined to work even harder at it, because it doesn’t come overnight.
“We went close in a few of the bigger races, but that just made me to come back down to basics through winter, knuckle down, tidy up a few things in my riding and I can’t thank the team behind me enough.”
During the Creswick Stakes, Cartwright positioned Wise Inlaw just behind Prince Tycoon, with the pair battling out the finish. Wise Inlaw, priced at $7, ultimately prevailed by half-a-length over the $20 outsider.
Chains Of Love, a New South Wales contender and the $4.20 favourite, finished third, trailing by 1-1/2 lengths.
Wise Inlaw provided a rewarding return for punters at $7, according to leading Aussie betting sites, while the favourite Chains Of Love ($4.20) and Prince Tycoon were prominent in betting apps Australia markets.
The victory by Wise Inlaw secured Moody and Coleman consecutive wins in the Creswick Stakes, following Bridal Waltz’s triumph last year. Moody indicated that recognising the son of Wootton Bassett as a sprinter was crucial to the win.
“We always thought he was a seven-furlong (horse), miler but about eight or 10 weeks ago we made the decision that he couldn’t run 1400,” Moody revealed.
“We brought him back to the straight and he was very impressive here three runs back.
“I think we went to the Bletchingly Stakes after she (Bridal Waltz) won this last year, but realistic he’s probably ready for a little break.
“He might have time for a freshen up and be back at Caulfield, but we’ll let him guide the path.”
For those interested in the next big race, explore the Australian betting sites for the best odds.
