Bob Peters, making a rare trip from Western Australia, witnessed Cosmic Crusader secure his perfect Melbourne racing record in the P B Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield.
Now under the care of Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek, Cosmic Crusader boasts a flawless two-from-two record since relocating from Perth.
The galloper previously claimed the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on July 25, adding Saturday’s Group 2 event to his impressive resume.
Ridden by Willie Pike and starting as the $2.40 favourite, Cosmic Crusader achieved a three-quarter length victory over Private Eye ($3.40), with Evaporate ($5) finishing the same margin behind in third place. Punters seeking the best horse racing betting apps were rewarded as the favourite delivered another outstanding performance.
Peters commented that he couldn’t recall the last time he travelled from Perth to support one of his horses in a Melbourne race.
“I made it a point never to fly when I only have one runner,” Peter said.
“I went to Morphettville once for a Group 1.
“Everything was going alright, but at six o’clock in the morning I got the call that the horse had done a tendon, so I thought ‘never again’ if I’ve only got one.
“I had another function on, so that’s why I’m here today. It was a good opportunity to come for two things.”
Peters expressed satisfaction with Cosmic Crusader’s performance, noting the horse settled further back than expected during the race.
The next target is the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) on August 29.
“I was a little bit worried in the run when he was pulling, but once Willie got him to the outside, I could see he was on the job,” Peters said.
“(The Memsie) that’s the way to go. He had to get through this one to get there, but he’s done it well.
“It’s a bit of a step up when you get up to the big boys and girls in the next fortnight.”
Leek indicated that Cosmic Crusader would not require extensive training between his Saturday win and the Memsie Stakes.
She mentioned that the horse would engage in light work on the hills at their property to prepare for the upcoming contest.
“He’s a lovely horse with a lot of ability and I thought he had come on from that first-up run and hopefully he can come on from this one to,” Leek said.
Those keen on the race can explore the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.