The Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained Booker fought off a pair of classy fillies to claim Sunday's Group II Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield.
Booker raced handy to the speed before staving off the challenges of the previously unbeaten Shoals Blue Diamond and the winner Catchy to score by a long neck.
Below is what the jockeys had to say about the performances of their Thousand Guineas Prelude mounts.
PLACING |
RUNNER |
JOCKEY |
COMMENT |
1st |
BOOKER |
DWAYNE DUNN |
The leader actually put a bit of tempo on from the 700(m). We were mindful the others might be too powerful late but she's always run well for us. Her pedigree looks sharp but she seems to be showing us she wants further. |
2nd |
SHOALS |
MARK ZAHRA |
Ran well. We wanted to ride her a but quieter, which we did. She probably needs a bit headgear to help her focus up but if we draw a gate in the Thousand Guineas, we're a live chance. |
3rd |
CATCHY |
REGAN BAYLISS |
She was terrific and she'll be peaking come Guineas day. |
4th |
SHE'S SO HIGH |
BEAU MERTENS |
She ran well. She had the right run but just couldn't run those good horses down. |
5th |
LIMESTONE |
DAMIAN LANE |
She ran like she didn't see out the 1400(m). |
6th |
ROOMOOZ |
LUKE CURRIE |
She's not gong as well as when she won first-up. |
7th |
SEANNIE |
BEN MELHAM |
She didn't feel 100 percent. She's a better horse than that. |
8th |
MAHLANI |
KATELYN MALLYON |
She stuck on OK. |