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A look back on Champions Day

A look at some of the other highlights on Champions Day at Flemington.

HINGED (nearest, black cap) winning the Matriarch Stakes at Flemington in Australia.
HINGED (nearest, black cap) winning the Matriarch Stakes at Flemington in Australia. Picture: Racing Photos

Big baby Angland's new heights over the mile

The step up to 1600-metres held few concerns for Angland ($3.50 favourite) with his victory in the Ronald McDonald House Charities Mile to notch his fourth career win in seven starts and a first at Flemington.

By 2017 Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner Ace High, more is in store for the four-year-old gelding to the satisfaction of co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr especially at Headquarters with the pair continuing their good record in this event on the final day of the carnival.

"If you have a look at him he's a very big horse, and he's a big horse for big tracks," Price said.

"We've kept him on the big tracks and he's been OK. He's been a big baby though, I would have to say."

 

Darby filly lands Banner payday

Within The Law $7) landed her connections a large immediate return with her decisive win in the $500,000 Inglis Banner for two-year-olds.

The Bjorn Baker-trained filly collected the $300,000 winner's cheque after powering to a 1-1/4 lengths win in Chisholm in the 1000-metre race restricted to Inglis graduates.

Within The Law, a daughter of Yulong first-season stallion Lucky Vega and the Dundeel mare Contract Signed cost Darby Racing just $30,000 at this year's Inglis Classic Sale.

With Ben Melham aboard, who teamed with Darby Racing to win a Golden Slipper aboard She Will Reign, was aboard for the Banner win and the top jockey predicted a bright future for Within The Law.

"She did everything right and that takes them a long way in these early two-year-old races," Melham said.

 

Second time lucky for Rey Magnerio

A second visit to Flemington within a week has paid dividends for a large and happy group of owners as Rey Magnerio took out the Listed Always Welcome Stakes (1200m) after finishing second seven days earlier in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes (1200m) on Victoria Derby Day.

Placed at each of the five-year-old son of Magnus' last three starts, Rey took his Flemington record to two wins and three placings in his five starts at the track.

Ridden by Jye McNeil, the gelding wore down the gallant effort of Front Page in the drive to the line.

"All the ownership group have had a bit of a frustrating few runs, so it's great to be able to get the right result today," 2020 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil said.

"(But) you can't be too frustrated with him because he always runs an honest race and I loved his will to win today."

 

Punters' fortunes Hinged on J-Mac

James Mcdonald notched his eighth winner over the Melbourne Cup Carnival with a last gasp victory on the Chris Waller-trained Hinged in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m).

Usually a wet tracker, the good surface at Flemington was no disadvantage in the six-year-old mare's first win here at her third attempt.

McDonald and Hinged wore down Sirileo Miss who looked to have her measure late in a win for backers of the $4 favourite.

"She got her day today," Waller said.

"Great ride from James McDonald, nice draw, good weight and a long Flemington straight so it made it easier."

 

And the leading hoop rounds it out with a four-timer.

McDonald's 11th Melbourne Cup Carnival victory came with Pisanello's win in the World Horse Racing Grand Handicap (1100m) with a big crowd's reaction of excitement rarely seen outside of a Group 1 race, and capped his leading jockey status for a record sixth time since 2000.

"What a week it's been, McDonald said.

"It's been sensational. Everyone's been great."

Four Group 1 wins for the week, and a benchmark 80 victory to boot.