Doull causes upset in Group 2 Caulfield Sprint
Michael Dee and Annabel Neasham have combined with Doull (+1200) taking out the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) on Saturday afternoon.
It was a brave performance by the son of Snitzel, who was seemingly headed by the heavily favoured Spacewalk (+160) with 100m to run.
Michael Dee lifted the four-year-old off the canvas after sitting outside the leader throughout the journey, as Western Australian-trained gelding Indian Pacific (+1400) kicked up to secure the lead early.
It set up nicely for Spacewalk, who loomed large turning for home, but peaked on the run, allowing Doull to kick back on the inside to score a stunning victory.
2023 Group 2 Caulfield Sprint Replay – Doull | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Mick Dee
Even Annabel Neasham showed an element of disbelief in the performance, as she had originally accepted in a BM78 at Randwick.
“I have to say full credit to the Rosemont team,” said Neasham.
“I had him in a Benchmark 78 in Sydney and they said ‘you’d better throw him in this group two’.
“We thought it was going to map really nicely but he is just the most beautiful colt. We haven’t had him all that long and the Freedmans did a phenomenal job with him.
“He’s just so professional and it is great that he got his head in front. Hopefully he can build from there.
“He has always shown above average ability but he has matured into a horse that has the most beautiful temperament. He’s got tactical speed as well.”
Michael Dee was impressed with the win as well, shedding light on the fight of his mount.
“He certainly showed some fight,” said Dee.
“I thought we were going to run a nice second or even third but to his credit he dug deep and really wanted it today and fought on hard.
“He began to come into a rhythm down the side and he could sense the horse outside fired him up a touch.
“That took away his finish a little bit but we were in the right place to have him there and fighting out the finish.”