Previously a Perth-based galloper, Cosmic Crusader has quickly made his mark on the eastern side of Australia, clinching the final Stakes race of the racing season held at Caulfield.
Making his debut under the guidance of the Andrea Leek stable, Cosmic Crusader secured the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes over 1200 metres on Saturday. This marked his first appearance since achieving a second-place finish in the Gold Rush at Ascot in December over 1400 metres.
Prior to that Ascot run, Cosmic Crusader had triumphed in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes, a 1800-metre race.
Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse and starting as the heavily backed $3.60 favourite, Cosmic Crusader crossed the finish line 2-½ lengths ahead of Winnasedge, who was priced at $4.20. Recommendation ($7.50) finished a further 1-½ lengths behind in third position.
Trainer Andrea Leek expressed her gratitude to owner Bob Peters for entrusting her Pakenham stable with Cosmic Crusader, marking her first Stakes race success.
“The Peters family (have been great), especially Bob for giving me this horse, entrusting me with him, it’s fantastic,” Leek stated. “I have to give a little shout-out to Tom Ahern. He had a little wind procedure when he was out spelling and that has worked.
“I was happy where he was back in the run. I was thrilled when he got that cover for a short amount of time.
“He (Stackhouse) rode him to get further distance, he rode him to win and I couldn’t be happier.”
Leek indicated that discussions with Peters would determine Cosmic Crusader’s future plans, but noted that the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 15 and the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), also at Caulfield two weeks later, are probable targets.
Daniel Stackhouse described Cosmic Crusader as a magnificent horse, albeit with a somewhat eccentric nature.
“As soon as I sat on him and cantered down, he dropped his head and gave me a beautiful feel,” Stackhouse commented. “He’s a bit of a quirky sort of horse though. He can lose his marbles a little bit, but as soon as we got a man behind the gates with him, he settled nice.
“I rode him where he was comfortable and I was always happy to go up on the inside.
“He switches off at the right time and when you ask him to go, he can accelerate very fast.
“He’s got a lot better races to win than this, but it’s a nice race to win for the team.”
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