Jake Noonan will renew a successful association when he teams up again with Bold Soul in Saturday’s staying feature, the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington. The Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained gelding is looking to go one better after a brave last-start second over 2600m on July 5.
Noonan and Bold Soul have history. As a three-year-old the pair strung together a Stakes treble—twice in Tasmania and once in South Australia—and although Noonan has only reunited with the stayer twice since, the old chemistry is still there. His latest ride came when Bold Soul chased home Goldenstatewarrior, having stepped in for suspended rider Tom Prebble, who’d scored on the gelding over 2530m at the same track on June 21.
“Paddy asked if I wanted to go down to Tassie to ride him (as a three-year-old), and that’s how it originated,” Noonan said.
“I had a bit of luck on him and won the Tasmanian Derby. He’s a tricky horse to ride, but I seem to have clicked with him, on occasions.
“Credit to Tom Prebble. He’s done a terrific job on him this preparation and I was lucky enough to get back on him last start.
“We just got run down. He went up three kilos the other day and the winner stayed on 54 kilos, and if we had met on level weights, he would have gone close to winning.
“If he gives himself the chance to settle over the 2800 metres on the weekend, he should see it out and be pretty competitive.”
Noonan says the opening stages will make or break the staying test. Bold Soul can overdo it if he grabs the bridle, and conserved energy will be crucial at 2800m.
“He can be a bit bold and keen into the bridle and if you’re doing that over 2800 (metres), it can be detrimental in the second half of the race,” Noonan said.
“If he can do it right early, he can be pretty tough when he needs to be accountable. He’s not necessarily the best horse in the race, but he’s tough.
“He’s had some good racing this time in, and it’s seasoned him and he’s probably getting better with the racing that he’s had.”
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