Coolring led from start to finish to record an impressive victory in the 2016 Prime Minister’s Cup at the Gold Coast this afternoon.
Coolring returned to winning form with a very strong performance in the Prime Minister’s Cup. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Coolring was well-backed in the lead-up to the Prime Minister’s Cup despite his average performance in the XXXX Gold Rush (1100m) at Hawkesbury last weekend and veteran hoop Jeff Lloyd showed plenty of confidence to take up the running in the early stages of the race.
Worthy Cause started the race as favourite and received the gun run behind Coolring, but just as he looked like running past his rival he died on his run and ended up missing the placings.
Coolring gave in-form trainer Bjorn Baker his second win of the day at the Gold Coast following the victory of Queensland Oaks contender Imposing Lass and his Racing Manager Jack Bruce was thrilled with the performance of the Sebring gelding in the Prime Minister’s Cup.
“It was a great win and we are very happy,” Baker said.
“He went straight to the front and he relaxed beautifully, but it was a great training performance from Bjorn to back him up.
“It is the first time that he has had a settle on him in seven days and he was fresh and got the job done perfect.
“We sort of have to look at staying up here now.
“He has settled up here and he has really enjoyed it.
“There are plenty of options.”
Coolring started his autumn preparation with a narrow win over Brook Road in the Get Well Kerrie Wilson Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on February 20 and he finished second at Kembla Grange on March 11 before he finished third behind Malaguerra and Target In Sight in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 26.
He started the Listed Weetwood (1200m) at Toowoomba on April 16 as a clear favourite, but he was narrowly denied by Coolring before he failed to fire in the XXXX Gold Rush (1100m) at Hawkesbury last start.
Snippets Land backed-up form his solid fourth in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 26 with a fast-finishing second, while Jumbo Prince bounced back from a poor performance in the Weetwood to finish third.
