Wet-tracker Destiny’s Kiss snares Xmas Cup
With every drop of rain at Randwick in the week leading up to the Christmas Cup, the chances of veteran Destiny’s Kiss winding back the clock grew.
Almost 45mm of rain soaked Randwick in the week leading up to Saturday’s Listed race over 2400m and the eight-year-old relished the heavy going, winning by 1-1/2 lengths.
Of Destiny’s Kiss]’13 wins, 11 have come on rain-affected tracks.
Trainer Joe Pride said the diminutive stayer was all courage.
“He’s a marvel isn’t he?” Pride said.
“You put him on a wet track and he’s a different horse.”
In-form jockey Josh Parr collected another stakes victory and his 54th winner on NSW tracks for the season, putting him equal top in the state’s premiership alongside Brenton Avdulla.
After showing no speed from the gates, Destiny’s Kiss, a $5 chance, settled last.
At the 600m mark Parr decided to make his move, circling the field and powering down the outside to beat fellow veteran Iggi Pop ($4.80 fav) who edged out Danjeu ($12) for second.
“It doesn’t take a genius to realise how good he is on a wet track. His form is just phenomenal,” Parr said.
“The horse felt great a long way from home. He’s just a tough little bugger.”
A home-bred by Power Of Destiny, Destiny’s Kiss has now returned more than $850,000 for owner Nick Moratis.
Pride was also pleased with Destiny’s Kiss’ emerging stablemate My Psychiatrist who battled on for fourth after setting the pace.