The Patrick Payne-trained Bold Soul has been a profitable performer on the flat, but his future might lie in steeplechasing.
Bold Soul added the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday to his previous seven victories across a 33-start career, with the win pushing his total earnings past $800,000.
Ridden by Jake Noonan, Bold Soul ($5.50) secured a short-head triumph over the $2.60 favourite Highland Blaze, with Tempesti ($16) finishing a half-head behind in third. Bold Soul’s victory was considered an upset according to leading betting apps Australia.
Harry Coffey, who rode the third-placed Tempesti, lodged a protest against the winner, alleging interference near the finish line. However, after a brief consideration, Racing Victoria stewards dismissed the objection.
Neal Greaves, representing trainer Patrick Payne, indicated that Bold Soul is likely to contest jumps races next.
“I think the plan is, you might see a pretty nice jumper at Ballarat on August 16,” Greaves stated. “I think the intention is he will have a jumps run this season.”
Greaves commented that Noonan has inexplicably formed a strong connection with Bold Soul.
Previously, Billy Egan had partnered the gelding in his last two placings at Flemington over distances of 2540m and 2600m.
Noonan had previously guided Bold Soul to victory in the Tasmanian Derby and later in the Chairman’s Stakes at Morphettville, marking his first ride on the gelding since the Lord Reims Stakes in Adelaide earlier in the year.
“It’s interesting, as some of the riders have not found him that easy to ride,” Greaves remarked. “If you can’t get him to settle, and that’s the case with a lot of horses, you’re in a world of hurt, but for some reason Jake has been able to.
“We were concerned with the weight as when the weights first came out, Ciaron Maher had one (Smokin’ Romans) in it with topweight of 60 kilos. We had 55-½ kilos, so we were a bit disappointed when Ciaron didn’t accept with his, and they pushed the weights up, but it affected everyone else as well.”
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