Danas Best Wins But Barred After Bleed

Danas Best has rewarded punters who swooped late in Australia Day Cup betting but the race will be his last in this country after a second bleeding attack.

The five-year-old was found to be bleeding from both nostrils when he got back to the stalls, incurring a lifetime ban in Australia.

Some other horses barred in Australia have raced successfully in the United States where the anti-bleeding medication Lasix is permitted.

Danas Best was backed from $4.20 to $3 favourite in the 2400m Listed feature and always had the race in his keeping.

Tommy Berry said he tried to step up the pace on Danas Best mid-race but it didn't matter with the winning margin 4-1/4 lengths over Permit ($16).

Oriental Lady ($4.40), the $3.20 favourite when betting opened, was another long neck away in third.

"He got his own way in front," Berry said.

"On four occasions in the race I had to try to get him to go quicker.

"And it's great to get a winner for Gai. It's been a while."

Danas Best first bled during trackwork in February last year.