Souchez returns to form with Hilton Stakes victory
SOUCHEZ returned to its brilliant best at Flemington when the three-year-old colt took out the Listed Hilton Stakes.
The son of Lonhro was touted as a potential top-liner for John O’Shea after the two-year-old won the Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill in March, but some bad luck and a near-deadly virus has kept it from showing its true potential.
“We nearly lost him in Brisbane during the winter. Great team effort to get him back, it’s been a wonderful team effort and James capped it off with a brilliant ride.”
Souchez fell ill following its fourth placing in the Group 1 J.J Atkins and spent the next two weeks in hospital according to O’Shea.
“It was on Stradbroke Day, he got very ill at the races, spent a fortnight in hospital,” O’Shea said.
“He had some great veterinary work, they saved him. It was sort of like a colic post-race, but he’s got back here and for everyone that has contributed to his welfare, we thank you greatly.”
O’Shea has nominated Souchez for the Western Australian Guineas on November 19, but a run in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap in Brisbane will be its ultimate goal.
“We have him in Perth, the Guineas, whether we go or not, we’ll see how he pulls up. I think he’d be a back-end horse in Sydney and he might find his way into the Stradbroke.”
Punters who took the $11 at William Hill had a few nervous moments during the run, but James McDonald provided a smart ride and the colt did the rest.
“I took him back from the gate. He traveled beautifully, head down really well,” McDonald said. “He looked to be a little unlucky, but the gaps presented themselves and he burst through and did a good job.
“It was a bit messy early on as that 1400m start can do, but we navigated a path through and he did the rest well.”
The good runs in behind belonged to Inside Agent ($8.10) and Man From Uncle ($13.50) which were both well supported late in the betting.