Treble for Johnny Allen as Alcyone makes Derby claim
Godolphin two-year-old Alcyone underlined his VRC Derby credentials at Flemington on Saturday, saluting as an odds-on favourite over 1800 metres.
Rock-hard fit after running second to Cherry Tortoni at listed level last start, the James Cummings-trained son of Teofilo proved too strong in the end, with Denis Pagan's Johnny Get Angry running second.
"A real credit to James and the team the way they've prepared the horse for a race like this today," Godolphin representative Sean Keogh said.
Alcyone, ridden by John Allen, wins the Byerley Handicap at Flemington on Saturday.Credit:Getty Images
"He's a little bit on the green side still – we saw that late – but he was good enough to win.
"We're dealing with a big, raw colt at the moment, well-bred to mature into a nice three-year-old going forward. I think with the racing he might be due for a break now and when we get him back we might work things out. He's a nice horse."
Jockey John Allen, who rode a treble at Flemington – two for Godolphin – said the colt had a bright future.
"Good win. He's still a big raw horse and hopefully he can make it there [the Derby], but he has ability and potential," he said.
"If he has a good prep he can make it then there's no reason why he can't get there."
Pagan said Johnny Get Angry, whose jockey Lachie King was questioned over a whip rule breach, would have a three-week break but was unsure what races he would target en route to the Derby.
Meanwhile, an emotional Allison Sheehan celebrated her first winner at headquarters with six-year-old mare El Questro.
"We've ticked all the boxes this week and I'm just really happy. I bred her," Sheehan said, holding back tears.
"She's just been drawing terrible gates. When she drew [barrier] one everyone came to the outside first-up. We knew she was going well, she has come back terrific. She had surgery and we gave her an extended break. The owners were really patient.
"She races in Rob McGuinness' colours – the same as her dam and grand dam. A lot of people will know those colours. I'm hoping that she will be able to have another prep next year. But she loves it here so hopefully it isn't her last win here for her."
Former jumper Exemplar claimed the 2800-metre Flemington Cup for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, while Right You Are saluted for Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior carrying 62kg.
Damien Oliver and Craig Williams picked up a win each, while apprentice Teo Nugent rode a double on El Questro and Romancer.
"It's great to rack up another double," Nugent said.
"It's very hard to get rides at this time of year, very competitive racing.
"The big jockeys go away on holidays and us apprentices get a good crack, but hats off to my manager who is doing a great job. Only a couple more winners until I'm down [claim] to 1.5 kilos."