A tight finish and a protest hearing did nothing to halt Nobler’s momentum, as the imported gelding notched his third consecutive victory at Rosehill, confirming his status as one for the future.
The former Irish galloper, who debuted in Australia back in March, has now achieved a hat-trick of wins, adding the Ranvet Handicap (2000m) on Saturday to his earlier mile successes at Randwick and Gosford.
Accelerating with purpose halfway up the straight, the $2.90 favourite had just enough in reserve to hold off the fast-finishing King Pedro ($4.40) by a nose, with Perfect Play ($7.50) finishing a further 1-1/2 lengths adrift in third.
The runner-up’s apprentice jockey, Anna Roper, lodged a protest against Siena Grima, the rider of the winner, alleging interference around the 200-metre mark. This occurred after King Pedro was forced to change its line when the inside run alongside Nobler closed.
However, stewards were quick to dismiss the objection. Presiding stipe Tom Moxon informed Roper that while a narrow opening did appear, it closed before she could fully establish her running and the shift came from the horse to her inside, Skycatcher.
Darren Beadman, representing the winning trainer Chris Waller, commented that Nobler has been a significant impression on the team since arriving in Sydney and could feature in more substantial races next preparation.
“He’s acclimatised well since he has come over here,” Beadman said.
“I think he could make his presence felt at the back end of our spring carnival, so now is probably a good time to tip him out and get him ready for something a little bit better.
“He’s certainly taken it all before him since he has come up to Sydney. He’s an athletic horse, a very clean-winded horse. Impressive.”
Although Nobler managed to cling to victory in his first attempt over a middle distance on Saturday, Beadman was firm in his belief that the gelding possesses the constitution to extend further in distance with time.
He also expressed his admiration for the ride from stable apprentice Grima, noting that her decision to wait patiently before the turn, rather than ride for luck, was crucial to the win.
“She had a choice at the 600, that was the difference between winning and losing,” Beadman said.
“She got the horse out into clear spaces and let him go through his gears.”
Grima completed a running double for the stable aboard Surf’s Up in the Petaluma Handicap (1400m).
Punters can find competitive racing odds on Nobler and other contenders at leading Australian betting sites.
