Trainer and jockey quotes after the Listed Sportsbet Victoria Gold Cup at Caulfield on Saturday taken out by Gear Up.
Race Result:
1st: Gear Up (A Neasham/J Mott) - $15
2nd: Mankayan (C Maher/M Zahra) - $4.80
3rd: Carini (D O'Brien/D Lane) - $1.70F
Winning Time: 2:04.15 Last 600m: NA
Margins: Short-Half-Head x 1-¼ lengths
Former Irish galloper, Gear Up (outside), salutes for the first time since joining @ANeashamRacing @jamieleemott pic.twitter.com/i9pwMRiNgm
— Racing.com (@Racing) March 16, 2024
Winning Trainer: Annabel Neasham (Racing Manager Rob Archibald speaking)
On running at Caulfield in preference to the Pakenham Cup: "He was only second-up and we were just a little query over the 2500 last night.
"It wasn't an easy decision, because we were really confident with the way he's going and the way he's come on from that first-up run.
On the winning rider Jamie Mott: "I thought Jamie summed it up really well. He got him into a lovely spot, had him travelling beautifully and he was strong late. It's pleasing for everyone.
"He's just a very good rider. He gets on really well with him and he's quite fond of the horse too, which is always quite special.
On winning for owners Teme Valley: "Really just pleased for the owners, they've been great supporters of Annabel from Day 1 and it's nice to see him find a bit of form.
On his next start: "I think naturally he'll go up in trip. Not sure what the options yet, obviously Annabel will make that decision in time, but just so happy to see him in a bit of form."
Could he run in the Mornington Cup?: "I'd say that's very much on the table but I'd say the boss up there in Sydney will make a decision."
Winning Jockey: Jamie Mott
On his pre-race confidence and the way the race panned out: "I came here pretty confident, his run the other day was fantastic first-up, he was always going to take natural improvement and Annabel and her team were really happy with him.
"Our plan was to be positive and possibly lead at our own tempo.
"He does lack a little turn of foot, so I thought it would be good if we could lead and build from the half-mile but obviously Mark Zahra had the same idea with his.
"He was pretty positive on his (Mankayan), to a point where I just came back off him and relaxed and the good thing was we both built from the half-mile and my bloke was strongest on the day."
On his progression: "I think he's got a fair bit of class about him, this horse, and now he's a gelding he's really racing in great heart. That might be his first win in Australia, so I'm sure they'll be really pleased with that.
"The way he's racing this preparation, he's definitely got a lot more to come."
Would he want to ride him in the Mornington Cup: "100 percent and he's many, many lengths better this time around now he's a gelding.
"He's racing perfectly, he's jumping, travelling nicely, quickening up and holding a really strong gallop.
"It's not far away and it'd definitely be an option on their minds, I'm sure."
