Casual Connection made it back-to-back wins in the PF Civil Handicap (2400m) at Randwick, reviving Queensland carnival hopes for trainer John Sargent.
The six-year-old relished the heavy track, repeating his 2023 success in the same race and putting himself in contention for a return to the Brisbane Cup (3200m)—pending wet conditions.
“I wouldn’t take him again – he is getting older now – unless it was wet,” Sargent said.
Ridden boldly by apprentice Molly Bourke, Casual Connection ($11) sat outside the leader and surged clear on the turn, holding off Wuddzz ($4.80 fav) by three lengths, with Asgoodassobergets ($6.50) in third.
“He just needed everything to go his way,” Bourke said. “He’s a momentum horse… you’ve got to start going a long way from home.”
It was also a milestone day for William Stanley, who scored his first Saturday metro win aboard Flying Embers ($3.40 fav) in the Midway Handicap (1400m).
Trainer John Thompson praised Stanley’s attitude, saying, “He listens to instructions… he’s very competitive.”