Redemption Run for Cosmic Crusader
After the bitter disappointment of missing qualification for the prestigious Railway Stakes, Cosmic Crusader has bounced back in spectacular fashion, claiming the Listed $125,000 Carbine Club of WA Stakes with a commanding performance that left spectators in awe. The heavily backed $1.75 favourite, who had been considered a leading contender for the Railway Stakes just weeks earlier, demonstrated his class and resilience in the 1400-metre event at Ascot.
Dominant Display Despite Wide Run
Racing wide throughout the contest, Cosmic Crusader showed no signs of discomfort as he launched a powerful finishing burst that saw him storm to a two-and-a-half-length victory over rivals Aztec Ruler ($6) and Asphalt ($4.20). The convincing win provided some consolation for connections after the gelding's recent narrow defeats in both the Asian Beau and R J Peters Stakes had cost him the rating points needed to compete in the Railway Stakes.
Owner Bob Peters expressed satisfaction with his charge's performance, noting significant improvement in the horse's racing manners. "The horse is learning now how to race, and he was a lot better in the run than he would normally be when the pace slackened," Peters observed. "He was stuck out wide, but I thought he'd be out wide. He was thrown into this race when you look at the set weights and penalties conditions; it was an easy run for him."
Emotional Victory for Johnston-Porter
Jockey Clint Johnston-Porter couldn't hide his emotions after guiding Cosmic Crusader to victory, describing the win as feeling "like winning a Group 1" despite the race's Listed status. The relief was palpable after what the jockey described as "torment" following their recent near-misses.
"I know it's only a Carbine Club, but it felt like winning a Group 1 just then; it was a relief to get him across the line," Johnston-Porter confessed. "I thought I was the one stopping him all this time, but it was just bad luck, unfortunately. He should've been in the Railway this year. It's unfortunate he didn't get there but I reckon he would've been very hard to beat today."
The jockey revealed he had extensively analysed replays of their previous runs, searching for ways he could have made a difference. "Second-up, I watched the replay 800 times and thought how I could've done something different, but I don't think I could've," he reflected.
Future Targets and Simply's Scahill Success
Looking ahead, Peters confirmed that Cosmic Crusader would now be aimed at the Northerly Stakes on December 6, for which the gelding has been installed as a $7 chance in early markets. The 1800-metre distance of the Northerly Stakes should suit the improving four-year-old as he continues to develop his racing craft.
In other feature race action on the card, Simply ($31) caused a minor upset in the Listed $125,000 A J Scahill over 2100 metres, outstaying favourite Captain Pluto ($2.20) to record a narrow victory. The Grant and Alana Williams-trained five-year-old fought back bravely after being headed by Captain Pluto to score by a long neck, with stablemate Buckets Ridge ($17) completing a Williams-trained trifecta.
Trainer Grant Williams praised visiting jockey Fred Kersley Jr for an "unbelievable ride" and noted that despite having 24 starts to his name, Simply was still showing improvement. "The whole family we've had have been hard work," Williams admitted. "What they've got, is they've got good engines. It does help and you put up with that when they're like that."
Kersley, who has established himself in Melbourne after beginning his career in Western Australia, expressed satisfaction at getting one over the local riding ranks. "It's not easy to get past W Pike at Ascot, especially on Railway Day," Kersley said. "I could feel Pikey breathing down my neck, but I knew I had at least a length up my sleeve when I pulled my whip through to the left."
The day's racing provided plenty of drama and excitement, with Cosmic Crusader's redemption story capturing the attention of racing enthusiasts across Australia and setting the stage for an intriguing buildup to the upcoming Northerly Stakes.
