Fifth Epsom Success For Waterhouse

The Sunday Age

Sunday October 5, 2008

Patrick Bartley, Sydney

IF THE late Tommy Smith was known as "The General" of Randwick, his daughter Gai Waterhouse must surely be closing in on that honour after she quinellaed yesterday's Epsom Handicap with Theseo and Bank Robber.

It was her 51st group1 success at Randwick and her fifth Epsom winner.

Theseo staved off a late challenge from stablemate Bank Robber in a tight finish that gave former Queensland jockey Zac Purton his first group1 success.

Waterhouse said she had asked Purton, currently riding in Hong Kong, to return to Sydney to take the mount on Theseo, believing the jockey would suit the horse.

Purton, who left Sydney last night for Hong Kong, said he believed his riding had "improved immensely" since he moved overseas.

But Waterhouse remained tightlipped on the team she would bring to Melbourne, waiting until today to analyse which horses would be suited to the spring carnival.

"I've got a big float sitting out the side of the stables and will now decide who will make the trip. Theseo and Bank Robber will probably go but I've just got to see at what level will they be suited," she said.

"Do you know, Theseo and Bank Robber are both owned by syndicates of racegoers that are now sharing in group1 success. It's an example to people that they can get into racing and enjoy it with other people and still be on level terms with the biggest of horse owners."

Theseo started at $10 and scored by a length and a half from Bank Robber ($7.50), with Gallant Tess ($9.50) three quarters of a length away third. Favourite Raheeb ($4.80) struggled in the rain-affected conditions, according to jockey Danny Nikolic.

"He just couldn't go a yard in the wet. He was struggling a long, long way out, so forget he even went round today," Nikolic said.

Earlier in the day, local stayer Newport threw very little light on this year's Caulfield and Melbourne cups by winning the Metropolitan Handicap.

Newport, who started at $41, may be sent to Melbourne for the Moonee Valley Cup.

Victorian stayer Gallopin battled into fourth position but never looked likely to challenge the winner.