Boss steals the Naturalism Stakes on Mr O’Ceirin

A great tactical ride by top jockey Glen Boss has seen Mr O’Ceirin earn a spot in next month’s Caulfield Cup by taking out the Group 3 $150,000 D’Urban Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield today.

Mr O'Ceirin

Mr O'Ceirin scores a soft win in the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Mr O’Ceirin will now gain automatic entry into the Group 1 $2.65m BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on October 19 after Boss stole the race after dictating the speed.

Boss took control shortly after the start when he let Mr O’Ceirin roll to the front when no other jockey wanted to lead and slowed the field down to almost a canter.

The leading jockey started to increase the tempo from the 700m and knew he had it won at the 600m.

“He cruised across and got into his own little spot,” Boss said.

“Once he got to the top of the hill, honestly it was all over at that point, gee he gave me a feel.”

“I got rolling from about the 700m. But even then I’m thinking that someone will have to come, too late now the bird has flown and I only have to go 600m now.”

Boss was also pleased how the Ciaron Maher trained stayer finished off the last 100m of the race and was able to draw away from Kesampour who made a sustained challenge from the top of the straight.

Maher said that Mr O’Ceirin had deserved his win and a chance to run in the Caulfield Cup and will now head to the Group 1 $400,000 Cathay Pacific Caulfield Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 12.

“He was stiff in this race last year so it is good to get him in and he deserves his chance,” Maher said.

“He might have one more run, maybe the Caulfield Stakes.”

Mr O’Ceirin started at the good odds of $7.50 with runner-up Kesampour ($12) running a much improved race at his second Australian start for Peter Moody while the third placegetter Bit Of Hell started a $20 chance.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.