Maurus carries record weight in winning 2016 Ipswich Cup
MAURUS defied a betting drift and carried a weight record when winning the 2016 Ipswich Cup on Saturday.
The David Vandyke-trained gelding drifted from $2.20 to $2.90 at Sportsbet, but was miles too good for the field in recording a 3.5-length win over Jumbo Price and Instrumentalist. It carried 58kg to victory which was .5kg more than Sharpley won with in 1961.
With former New Zealand Derby-winner Puccini setting a hot tempo, Maurus with Damian Browne in the saddle sat near the tail of the field before producing a slick turn-of-foot in the straight.
Its fifth in the Group 1 Doomben Cup was a great form guide and the early-bird punters at Sportsbet.com.au reaped the rewards. Vandyke said the win was a meaningful one after an incredible season which included an ATC Sires Produce win with Yankee Rose.
“This win really means something. It is my first stakes win as a trainer in Queensland and it was for Paul Fudge’s Waratah Syndicate who have been great supporters,” Vandyke said.
“I was happy enough when Damian [Browne] went back to last but I must admit I was a bit nervous when Damian took off and made a wide run.
“I could see visions of the Doomben Cup where he travelled wide a long way and then ran fifth. But Damian had a strong hold on him and they were going to win a long way out.”
The betting drift might have been because Maurus had sweated up badly prior to the start. The five-year-old was a nervous horse according to Vandyke who will now target the former import for the Caloundra Cup in two weeks.
“But he is a very good horse and it was Damian’s first ride for me. He is a very good jockey,” he said.
“I am sure Damian would like to win a Caloundra Cup and so would I.”