Military Tycoon dominant in Ottawa Stakes
Ciaron Maher has struck early on All Star Mile Day at Flemington with his two-year-old filly Military Tycoon (+360) showing a superior turn of foot to claim the Group 3 Ottawa Stakes (1000m).
The daughter of Written Tycoon was given a great ride by Thomas Stockdale, as they led from start to finish to salute for punters as a well-backed second favourite with Picklebet.
As the only runner who had raced down the Flemington straight, the experience was telling, as Stockdale took the race by the scruff of the neck and dominted from the front.
Military Tycoon gave a strong kick at the 300m mark and put up a length margin on Gin Spirit, who chased gamely, before running away with a dominant two-length win over Gin Spirit (+320) and Pure Passion (+1300).
With the 12-horse field choosing to split, the group on the stand side were clearly in front of the inside division throughout the run, which may be a sign for later races down the straight.
Ciaron Maher spoke to the media post-race.
“She’s always shown that sort of ability and it unravelled for her during the Cup Carnival,” Maher said.
“She trialled up really nicely and Tom has done a good job.
“There is hardly a horse in the stable that I have of Bennett Racing’s that doesn’t have some sort of ability.
“They do a very good job of selecting their horses and you can see they’ve got a huge crew of owners so it is fantastic.
“They just retired Southport Tycoon to stud so hopefully this is their next group horse.
“He’s a good horseman. There’s good jockeys and then there’s good horsemen as well.
“They are happy to assist in the training and feedback is crucial.
“Tom certainly is one of them.
“His feedback in the morning is very beneficial and he’s obviously screwed down, he’s fit and well and has a heap of ability. He is heading in the right direction.”
Thomas Stockdale was very happy with the win, and he spoke post-race.
“I’ve put a lot of effort into working her at home. She’s not an easy ride. She’s very hot and she wants to do a few things wrong,” Stockdale said of the winner.
“Throughout her trials I’ve learnt a lot about her and I was able to implement that today.
“I felt like a winner a furlong after the gates. She is going well.
“This isn’t the end for her. She is in for good things.
“I haven’t had a lift like that up the straight for quite a while.
“It is good to be getting support from Ciaron and his team.
“Nathan (Bennett) has been a good supporter of mine especially over the last month.”
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