Having previously raced in Perth, Cosmic Crusader has swiftly made his presence felt on the eastern seaboard, securing the final Stakes race of the season at Caulfield.
In his very first start for the Andrea Leek stable, Cosmic Crusader triumphed in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes over 1200 metres on Saturday. This win comes after his second-place finish in the Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot in December.
That performance at Ascot was achieved just one week after Cosmic Crusader had claimed the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m).
With Daniel Stackhouse in the saddle and starting as the heavily supported $3.60 favourite, Cosmic Crusader powered to a 2-½ length victory over Winnasedge ($4.20). Recommendation ($7.50) finished a further 1-½ lengths back in third place.
Trainer Leek extended her thanks to owner Bob Peters for entrusting Cosmic Crusader to her Pakenham stable, which led to her first Stakes success.
“The Peters family (have been great), especially Bob for giving me this horse, entrusting me with him, it’s fantastic,” Leek said. “I have to give a little shout-out to Tom Ahern. He had a little wind procedure when he was out spelling and that has worked.
“I was happy where he was back in the run. I was thrilled when he got that cover for a short amount of time.
“He (Stackhouse) rode him to get further distance, he rode him to win and I couldn’t be happier.”
Leek indicated that she would consult with Peters to finalise Cosmic Crusader’s future racing plans, but mentioned that the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 15 and the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), also at Caulfield two weeks later, would likely be considered.
Stackhouse described Cosmic Crusader as an exceptional horse, while also noting his somewhat unusual nature.
“As soon as I sat on him and cantered down, he dropped his head and gave me a beautiful feel,” Stackhouse commented. “He’s a bit of a quirky sort of horse though. He can lose his marbles a little bit, but as soon as we got a man behind the gates with him, he settled nice.
“I rode him where he was comfortable and I was always happy to go up on the inside.
“He switches off at the right time and when you ask him to go, he can accelerate very fast.
“He’s got a lot better races to win than this, but it’s a nice race to win for the team.”
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