Owner Bob Peters, making a rare trip from Western Australia, observed Cosmic Crusader maintain its unblemished Melbourne record by winning the P B Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield.
The horse, now trained by Andrea Leek at Pakenham, has a perfect two-from-two record since its transfer from Perth.
Cosmic Crusader first secured the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on July 25, and then added Saturday’s Group 2 race to its impressive list of achievements.
Ridden by Willie Pike and starting as the $2.40 favourite, Cosmic Crusader finished three-quarters of a length ahead of Private Eye ($3.40), with Evaporate ($5) a similar margin back in third. Those checking out the best horse racing betting apps witnessed the favourite deliver another stellar performance.
Peters commented that he could not recall the last time he travelled from Perth to see one of his horses compete on a Melbourne track.
“I made it a point never to fly when I only have one runner,” Peter said.
“I went to Morphettville once for a Group 1.
“Everything was going alright, but at six o’clock in the morning I got the call that the horse had done a tendon, so I thought ‘never again’ if I’ve only got one.
“I had another function on, so that’s why I’m here today. It was a good opportunity to come for two things.”
Peters expressed his satisfaction with Cosmic Crusader’s run, noting the horse was settled further back than anticipated.
The next major target for the horse is the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) on August 29.
“I was a little bit worried in the run when he was pulling, but once Willie got him to the outside, I could see he was on the job,” Peters said.
“(The Memsie) that’s the way to go. He had to get through this one to get there, but he’s done it well.
“It’s a bit of a step up when you get up to the big boys and girls in the next fortnight.”
Leek indicated that Cosmic Crusader would not require extensive training between its recent victory and the Memsie Stakes.
She mentioned that the horse would be kept in light work on the hills at their property to prepare for the upcoming race.
“He’s a lovely horse with a lot of ability and I thought he had come on from that first-up run and hopefully he can come on from this one to,” Leek said.
Check out the available betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites.