Amexed springs surprise in Caloundra Cup

Trainer Tony Gollan’s confidence in causing an upset with Amexed in the Listed Caloundra Cup was boosted when he looked at race times from Ipswich Cup day two weeks ago.

In a surprise result, Amexed proved him right in the $175,000 race, storming home to an impressive win while the $1.50 favourite Maurus could finish only fifth.

Maurus’ trainer David Vandyke said he was disappointed with the run and could offer no excuses.

“But he has been to 2400 metres twice now and failed both times,” Vandyke said.

Maurus won the Ipswich Cup running 2min13.74secs and Amexed won a restricted race over the same distance in 2mins.13.04secs.

Speaking from Bali where he is holidaying, Gollan said he had been confident Amexed could win after studying the race replays and times.

“My bloke ran a faster time when he was in the worse part of the track. The favourite had to carry a kilogram more on Saturday and we dropped two-and-a-half kilos,” Gollan said.

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Amexed ($19) proved Gollan’s confidence well placed when he beat Jumbo Prince ($8) by 1-1/4 lengths with All Clear ($26) three quarters of a length back in third.

“This horse won the Rough Habit Plate and was fifth in the Queensland Derby as a three-year-old but things went wrong and it wasn’t until Ipswich he won again,” Gollan said.

“I believe he is potentially the best stayer I have trained and I am so pleased for the owners because they didn’t complain once when he struck the bad patch.

“It is a credit to my staff and the system we have built up. The fact I can go on holidays and be confident we will continue to win feature races is great.”

Amexed is now likely to head to the Grafton Cup on July 14 and seems certain to be joined in the race by Jumbo Prince.

Trainer Michael Nolan said a final decision would not be made until later but Jumbo Prince deserved another chance at a distance.

“He is fit and well so why not chase a stakes win,” Nolan said.

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