Valiant King has surged into Melbourne Cup contention after a powerful staying display to claim The Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington.
The race grants the winner a coveted ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4, and Valiant King seized that opportunity in style.
Ridden by Jye McNeil, the $61 outsider stormed home from off the pace to win by 2¾ lengths over Torranzino ($71), with favourite Gilded Water ($2.15) holding on for third.
“Fitness was our biggest concern,” said Charlie Duckworth for the Chris Waller stable. “He was much better suited to this in terms of grade and also distance.”
McNeil admitted he thought his mount faced an uphill task in the run home. “Even when I straightened and he quickened so well, I still thought we were too far off the leader, but he reeled it in really well,” he said.
The victory secures Valiant King a Melbourne Cup berth, with McNeil hopeful of retaining the ride on the first Tuesday in November.