Upham Scores Upset Victory In Grand Prix
- Saturday, 23 May 2015 08:14
Upham showed all the courage and tenacity of his namesake when he won the Group Three Grand Prix Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.
Trainer Peter Moody used his keen knowledge of wartime history when he was looking for a name for Upham.
"I named him after Charlie Upham from New Zealand who was awarded the VC twice during World War II," Moody said.
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Upham ($13) enjoyed the run of the race before surging clear in the straight to win by 1-1/4 lengths.
Redoubtable Heart ($14) finished second, a half head in front of Master Of Arts ($8).
Moody has always thought Upham would be an ideal candidate for a staying campaign during the winter carnival.
"He's raced consistently his whole preparation and the race panned out lovely for him today," he said.
"He was strong through the line which is a positive sign for the Queensland Derby in a fortnight when he steps up to the 2200 metres.
"The way he won today he might be better suited on the dry tracks."
McEvoy admitted he had doubts whether Upham would measure up as a genuine Derby contender.
But the gelding's strength has convinced the Sydney jockey he can complete the Grand Prix-Queensland Derby double.
"Once he hits the front he tends to clock off but if he's got something to chase straightening up in the Derby there's no reason why he can't run out the extra trip," McEvoy said.
Sadler's Lake, the $3.50 favourite, was pressured in the middle stages and weakened over the final 100m to finish fifth.
Chillin With Dylan ($41) turned in an eye-catching Derby trial with his fast-finishing fourth.
