Nozomi shocks Flemington at triple figure odds
CONNECTIONS of six-year-old gelding Nozomi were left shocked after the resuming runner delivered a stellar performance to salute at triple figure odds.
Under a sparkling ride by Taylor Marshall, the +13570 despised outsider at Crownbet.com.au was taken to the inside rail and was punched along stoically by the hoop to record the biggest upset win of the day.
Divine Mr Artie (+260 at Luxbet.com.au) lead the challengers but could not bridge the gap on the line, while Sin to Win nosed its way into third to deliver +100 to Sportsbet.com.au clients.
In what was an unbelievable result for exotic backers, the trifecta paid $7562.70 while the first four delivered an astronomical $125688.
Cut it out @app85. #nozomi pic.twitter.com/T1SwET1ifp
— Mitch Cohen (@MitchRWCohen) August 5, 2017
Stable representative for the Lee and Anthony Freedman stable Brad Taylor said the team had rock bottom expectations of the horse’s first run in over five months.
“We thought he’d be here for a bit of a run around,” Taylor said.
In what proved to be a decisive move for the team, Taylor said the co-trainers made an astute call on which race to target, which ultimately paid dividends.
“Originally we were going to go to the 1200m race but Lee pulled the right rein earlier in the week and said ‘no, we’ll go to the 84 at the 1400m’.
“That’s why he’s a hall of fame trainer.”
Nozomi winning.
I'm done. #RacingLive— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) August 5, 2017
The win came as a shock to many, but the price belied what a talented galloper the horse is. The win at Flemington moved the horse’s record to five wins from 21 attempts.
Taylor said Nozomi is capable of producing strong performances when fit and firing.
“When he’s right he is pretty good,” the stable representative said.
“(I was) going back through his races this morning and he’s ran third in a derby and won the Geelong Classic as a three-year-old.
“They always have a bit of ability if they’re doing that.”
It was a surprising victory for the stable and Taylor admitted it put him on the backfoot in terms of future plans for the horse.
The stable representative believes today’s win is indicative of a strong upcoming preparation.
“We’ll take him through the grades.
“He looks to be in good form so there might be a nice race in him.”