Ain’tnodeeldun gets his head down to win Group 3 JRA Cup
Under the urgings of Billy Egan, Ain’tnodeeldun (+190) has claimed Red Sun Sensation (+600) in the final bound to take out the Group 3 JRA Cup at Moonee Valley.
After opening as the favourite when fields came out on Wednesday, the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained galloper remained the market elect all the way through betting until the field of seven jumped.
Red Sun Sensation took up the lead going out the straight the first time, with Hopeful (+4000) sitting on his girth until the final 400m, and as the roughie started to slow Damian Lane on Sibaaq (+360) had to get going with gave the winner a lovely cart into the race.
It may have taken the full length of the straight for the son of Dundeel to reach the lead, but luckily for his owners and followers, Ain’tnodeeldun got his head down on the line to claim his maiden Group 3 success of his career.
2023 JRA Cup Replay – Ain’tnodeeldun |T: Anthony & Sam Freedman |J: Billy Egan
Representing the stable, Sam Freedman spoke post-race about the win.
“Very thankful to all the owners, they’ve been very patient with him, and they got the reward so the horse is doing a terrific job,” Freedman said.
“I think he’s just matured, he had a few issues early on, there’s a case to say in Australian racing we rush them pretty early on, this was a horse that just needed to fully mature.
“Billy’s (Egan) got on with him so well, rides him perfect every time.
“He didn’t actually change onto his right leg, he normally switches onto that right and really lets down so not sure what the case was there but I’m sure Billy will know.”
After claiming the JRA Cup aboard the winner, Billy Egan spoke post-race.
“He’s been a terrific horse, I think any jockey would be going well on him, Sam’s just got him in really good form,” Freedman said.
“It’s been really hard to make ground tonight, we were conscious of that.
“We had to ride our own horse, I probably put him into the race a bit sooner than I usually would to make sure Craig didn’t get away because he did control the race but sort of half way up the straight, because I put him into the race early.
“His run just died, and he just sort of sailed over the line and maintained that gallop so I was a little worried.”