Hobart Jones claims Karrakatta
Jockey Jason Brown took full advantage of his pick-up ride on Hobart Jones, guiding the classy colt to victory in the $500,000 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot.
Brown claimed his first Karrakatta Plate win courtesy of a sublime ride on Hobart Jones, who firmed from $9 to $7 on course.
Hobart Jones settled sixth in clear running and Brown started his charge in the straight when Jezpark ($9) surged to the lead.
Vitalism ($26) gained a dream inside run and sprouted wings late, but Hobart Jones dug deep to score by a short neck.
Vitalism ran second and Jezpark was a close-up third.
Cadenza, the $3.80 favourite, settled in the second half of the field and failed to sprint in the straight when running ninth.
Rommel ($6) settled towards the tail of the field and never got into the race, finishing last.
Brown picked up the ride on Hobart Jones when his regular rider, Ryan Hill, was suspended for careless riding on Bunbury Cup day.
“We had to use the barrier and the horse was well schooled,” Brown said.
“Ryan was suspended and I feel a bit bad for him. He went in to bat for me to get the ride.
“I got a lovely trail and he let down well.”
Veteran trainer Vern Brockman said Hobart Jones had the perfect preparation for the Group 2 feature.
The So Secret colt, who won his first two races at Ascot in December, ran eye-catching placings in the Supremacy Stakes (1100m) and Perth Stakes (1100m).
“We haven’t had one thing go wrong all the way through which is pretty remarkable,” Brockman said.
“He’s a wonderful horse and he tries very hard.
“As soon as I bought him as a yearling, Robbie and Jodie Gray said they wanted to keep a share in him.
“Several of the other owners have been with me for 20 to 30 years.”
Trainer Dan Morton could offer no excuses for Cadenza’s defeat.
Morton gained some compensation when his highly-rated mare, Soldier’s Lass, beat Red Hot Sax in the $100,000 Matchmaker Classic (1400m).
"She's the fastest horse in my stable at the moment," Morton said.
