The consistent Anacheeva gelding Rolls bid his trainer Maddie Raymond a fond farewell when winning the $300,000 Listed Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup (2350m) on Thursday.
Another one for the locals (image Alice Miles/Racing Photos)
Backing up after his second over 1700m on Tuesday, Rolls kept up a strong gallop under Harry Grace to defeat the 6yo Fiorente gelding Not Usual Glorious by one and a half lengths with the 7yo Camelot gelding Swords Drawn a nose back in third.
Making his first stakes attempt since finishing unplaced in the SA Sires' Produce Stakes at two when trained by Lindsay Smith, Rolls advances his record to seven wins, five seconds, and four thirds from 33 starts with earnings of $449,440.
With Maddie Raymond waiting to board a plane to attend a friend's wedding in Spain, stable representative Brady McArdle said there was no concern with the 2350m.
Huge result for Harry Grace (image Alice Miles/Racing Photos)
"After the run on Tuesday, I think she was quite keen to get him out to the Cup, and the proof was in the pudding.
"She's a very good trainer on the up and has some nice wins with some nice horses, and I'm sure there'll be more to come in the future.
"It is a great result for everyone involved and Harry Grace, brilliant.
"Harry does a lot of work with the stable and takes his opportunities. He proved that he can do it when it counts and a good result for him."
Harry Grace was thrilled with the win in the $300,000 feature.
"Honestly, I'm a little lost for words," Grace said. The last 100m felt forever.
Rolls could not make his $15,000 reserve at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale
"I've got complete confidence in Maddie and Paddy. They're a fantastic team, presenting these horses in the best order possible. I was overjoyed when they told me they were looking at the back up here today.
"Last start Johnny (Allen) beat me in the Terang Cup on another horse when I thought I would catch him. When I saw him in front at the 600m, I thought I wouldn't let him do it again."
Passed in short of his $15,000 reserve when offered by Bombora Downs to the 2018 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Rolls is the best of three winners from four to race for the winning Success Express (USA) mare Explobo.
Out of a half-sister to Group Group III VRC St Leger winner and Group 1 Adelaide Cup third, Headcutter (Twig Moss), Explodo has a 2yo colt by Magnus.
Rolls is the second stakes-winner for Riverbank Farm's Caulfield Guineas hero Anacheeva (Anabaa).
