The Patrick and Michelle Payne stable may have found another exciting late-season juvenile in Buccleuch, who claimed the TAB We’re On (1420m) at Flemington in impressive style.
The victory mirrored that of former stablemate Cherry Tortoni, who won the same race five years ago before adding the Gibson Carmichael Stakes and the Group 2 Vase to his record, ultimately running a bold fourth in the Victoria Derby.
Billy Egan, who rode both Cherry Tortoni and Buccleuch, guided the latter to a 2-¼ length win over Arcora, with Millennium Blade finishing third. Buccleuch’s previous win at Echuca had already hinted at his ability, but Egan was surprised by his explosive finish at Flemington.
“He won really well today,” Egan said.
“I’ve ridden him all the way through in all his trials and races and he’s always been improving, but he’s never shown me the turn of foot like that.”
Buccleuch’s potential has Egan cautiously optimistic about what’s ahead, though he acknowledges the horse may be developing more slowly than Cherry Tortoni.
“This bloke is possibly a little slower to develop than he was but that win probably peaked like one of Cherry’s wins as well,” Egan said.
The Paynes and Egan also scored with Stop The Rock in the Ken Cox Handicap (2000m), adding to a strong day at Flemington. Michelle Payne hinted that the pair, along with Frontline Action, could return for the Mahogany Challenge Series Final on July 5.
Punters tracking talented young gallopers like Buccleuch and Stop The Rock ahead of the Gibson Carmichael Stakes or Mahogany Challenge Series Final should explore the top options across the best betting apps and online bookmakers in Australia.