Jean Van Overmeire’s decision to forgo a full book of rides at Newcastle for a lone opportunity at Randwick delivered a remarkable result with Where’s The Circus causing a major upset in the Inglis Nursery.
The jockey had partnered the filly, a $1250 online purchase, to a recent barrier trial win at Kembla Grange and was determined to stick with her once she gained a start in the $400,000 feature.
“It’s always a bit tricky to do that, give up my provincial rides to come here, especially when I’ve only got one,” Van Overmeire said.
“But my thinking was, each year this race is not always that strong and the way she trialled the other day, purely on how she felt, I thought it would be worthwhile giving her a test anyway.”
Prepared by Paul Murray, son of the late Bede Murray, the filly led throughout in the Inglis Nursery (1000m) after the field was reduced to nine.
Where’s The Circus ($51) defeated favourite Internal Affairs and Regal Hustle, while also finishing ahead of $1.2 million colt Vatican.
Despite the triumph, Van Overmeire later received a three-meeting careless riding suspension stemming from the race.